Keyhole Cichlid (Cleithracara maronii)
| Keyhole Cichlid Cleithracara maronii | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Keyhole Cichlid |
| Name Lat. | Cleithracara maronii |
| Synonym | Aequidens maronii |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | South America |
| Habitat | Forest streams, ponds |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 4.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Pair |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Reproduction | Substrate spawner |
| Breeding | Simple |
| Life Span | 7-10 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 7 cm |
| Temperature | 21-28 °C |
| Hardness | 2-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 110 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 3" |
| Temperature | 70-82 °F |
| Hardness | 36-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 30 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The Maroni cichlids are widespread in the border region of Suriname and French Guiana (Rio Maroni), in parts of Venezuela, Guiana and Trinidad and Tobago. They live in still water of shallow, slow-flowing jungle streams and in residual water pools with partly dense vegetation and bottoms covered with dead wood and foliage.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a dense border planting, with many hiding places (stones, roots) and offer free swimming space. A dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves) and subdued light (floating plants) is ideal. Some flat stones, which serve as spawning ground, should not be missing
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In the wild they feed on small insect larvae, crustaceans and worms as well as detritus. The food supply consists of live food, such as daphnia, artemia, mysis, tubifex and red mosquito larvae, which are also accepted without problems in frozen form, or a commercially available frozen special food mix supplemented with high-quality, protein-rich dry food for cichlids (pellets, granules).
Only as much should be fed as is eaten within a few minutes. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms
Behaviour and compatibility
These peaceful cichlids should be kept in pairs. At spawning time they defend their territory. Keeping several pairs is only recommended in a larger and richly structured tank. They can be socialized well with other peaceful fish
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. The male is larger and has noticeably longer, more pointed fins, the female appears somewhat rounder.
Reproduction and breeding
They spawn on shallow stones or roots (open brooders). Both parents perform brood care and defend the territory (parental family). After 48 hours, the fry hatch and are then usually housed in a bottom pit until they swim freely after 5-7 days. Often the young fish swarm is still protected by the parents for some time and also led to the feeding places in the aquarium.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.
Important
There are populations that differ in coloration (site variants). In the trade, mainly offspring are offered.
The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) naturally lowers the pH and when rotting promotes the development of microorganisms, which are a valuable secondary food source.
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF