Keyhole Cichlid Care Guide - Setup, Tankmates & Breeding

The Keyhole Cichlid is a softly coloured, laterally compressed South American cichlid named for the dark keyhole-shaped marking on the upper rear portion of its body. Its base colour ranges from pale grey and tan to olive-brown, and the markings can become more pronounced when the fish is stressed, displaying or guarding eggs. Fine blue-green iridescence may appear across the fins and face, while the dorsal and anal fins give the species an elegant, flowing outline.

Unlike many larger cichlids, Keyhole Cichlids are notably peaceful and reserved. They often hover quietly among plants and wood, retreating when startled rather than confronting a perceived threat. Their subdued temperament and attractive shape have made them a long-standing favourite for calm community aquariums.

In nature, they live in tannin-stained, gently flowing waters associated with tropical forest habitats. Fallen branches, submerged roots, leaf litter and aquatic vegetation provide cover, and the fish use their muted colours to blend into the dim surroundings. They may forage close to the bottom and inspect surfaces methodically with their sensitive mouths.

Keyhole Cichlids are social without being true shoaling fish. Young specimens often stay together, while mature fish may pair off and establish a small territory, especially when breeding. They are generally less aggressive than most cichlids, although a bonded pair can become protective of its spawning site.

Keyhole Cichlids come from the coastal river systems of French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname and eastern Venezuela in northern South America. They inhabit slow-moving streams, forest creeks and quieter sections of rivers, often among submerged roots, leaf litter and dense vegetation.

A single Keyhole Cichlid or compatible pair should have at least 115 litres, with a tank measuring around 90 cm long by 30 cm deep; a larger aquarium is preferable for a community or breeding group. Use a soft sand or fine-gravel substrate, rounded stones, driftwood, roots and hardy plants to create sheltered areas and visual barriers. Leave open space for swimming while providing caves and shaded retreats. Gentle to moderate filtration, subdued lighting and some leaf litter help recreate its quiet forest-stream habitat, and a secure lid is advisable because startled fish may jump.

Adults reach a maximum of about 10 cm (4 inches) in standard length. Males are usually slightly larger and more robust than females; females commonly remain around 8–9 cm (3.1–3.5 inches), although individual size varies.

Keyhole Cichlids are omnivores that benefit from a varied diet. Offer a good-quality cichlid pellet or flake as a staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp and blackworms. Small portions of soft vegetable matter or algae-based foods can also be included. Feed modest amounts once or twice daily, allowing the fish to eat everything without leaving excess food on the substrate.

Keyhole Cichlids suit peaceful community aquariums with similarly calm South American species. Suitable companions include small and medium-sized tetras, pencilfish, peaceful rasboras, Corydoras, peaceful Loricariids, hatchetfish and other non-aggressive bottom dwellers. Avoid boisterous, fin-nipping or highly territorial fish, as Keyhole Cichlids are easily intimidated. They should not be housed with large predatory cichlids or aggressive African cichlids, and very small fry may be eaten by larger community fish.

Keyhole Cichlids are egg-laying substrate spawners that usually form a monogamous pair. Provide a smooth, gently sloping stone, piece of slate or broad leaf as a spawning surface. The female may lay several hundred eggs, which both parents guard and fan. Keep the water clean and well oxygenated, and offer plentiful high-quality foods to condition the pair. The eggs generally hatch after around three days, with the fry becoming free-swimming a few days later. Newly free-swimming fry can be raised on infusoria or other very small first foods before moving on to baby brine shrimp.

Sexual differences are subtle. Mature males are generally larger, with a broader head and more extended dorsal and anal fins, while females are usually smaller and deeper-bodied. These distinctions are not always reliable outside a mature breeding pair.