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WaterPond
Sep 29th 2007, 11:31 AM
Cleithracara maronii
The keyhole Cichlid
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l117/WaterPond/keyhole.jpg

Common name: Keyhole Cichlid

Scientific name: Cleithracara maronii


Family: Cichlidae

Origin: South America

Adult size: Males up to 4.5", females, about 4"

Tank Specs:

Minimum Tank Size: 35G,
Water Parameters (PH): pH: 6.8-7.5
Temperature: 22°c-27°c
Special Requirements: A tank with alot of hiding places. They are fairly shy fish. They prefer planted tanksSuitable Tankmates: Other non agressive to semi agressive south and central american cichlids. Community fish that will not eat the keyhole cichlid.

Minimum Group Size: Any

Diet: Omnivore

Sexing: Difficult. Ususally can only be told once spawning or in pairs.

Breeding and Reproduction: Egglayers. Will spawn on flat surfaces. Apprx. 300 eggs will be laid. Both parents do their part to ensure the heath of the eggs, fanning them with fresh watyer and eating the unfertilized eggs. Eggs can be raised with parents or moved to a seperate tank. Eggs hatch in 3-5 days. Feed fry microfoods like baby brine shrimp and other preparations meant for fry. Fry will become independant in4-6 months.


Notes: These fish are very cute, and quite hardy in my experience. They like a variety of foods, and like to be housed with fairly peaceful fish, although it possible to house them with semi aressive fish, it is best to keep them with non agressive fish.