https:s are beautiful and peaceful fish from South America. Its range is the lower Orinoco Basin of Venezuela and nearby river basins in The Guineas where they are naturally occurring. Keyhole is the common or trade name for this cichlid and its formal name is Cleithracara maronii which is a monotypic genus. This means there is only one species in this genus namely the https: or C. maronii. The actual meaning of the word Cleithracara translates to mean lock acara.

 

 

A peaceful and shy cichlid, this species has a temperament similar to Angelfish. These small fish can be kept in pairs alone or in a community tank setting with fish of equal size and disposition. Their coloring is somewhat tan beige with black markings on it sides. One of these markings resembles a keyhole of an older style door hence its nickname. Male and females are difficult to tell from based on coloration because this species is monomorphic. When startled or scared these cichlids will change color and become blotchy almost camouflaging itself while it tries to hide among rocks or logs.

 

In the wild C. maronii feeds on insects, invertebrates and crustaceans. So in the aquarium this species will accept a wide variety of prepared cichlid foods such as cichlid pellets, freeze dried krill and other similar foods. https: fish are biparental spawners and have been known to lay their eggs on flat surfaces including rocks, leaves and logs. Both the female and male will tend to their offspring and protect them.