Advice On Keyhole Cichlids

[FishLover66]

I have been doing more research on less aggressive SA cichlids for my community tank. It's a Marineland 27 Cube and so far I have 6 neons and 5 marble hatchets. I plan to add 4 - 6 small cories and a couple otos, but I'm still up in the air as far as the 'main focus' fish. I love Angels, but they get too big for my tank. I was thinking one or two Bolivian rams, but my only concern about them is that they stay at the bottom and I was looking for something that would basically swim around (OWN) the tank like an angel would do.

Does anyone have experience with Keyhole Cichlids? I hear that they are one of the more 'peaceful' cichlids and they seem to swim around the tank more than a Bolivian Ram would.... Any other suggestions? I'm trying to stick with fish from the Amazon or at least South America and am looking for a dwarf or small cichlid (no more than 4 or 5" at the most)?

Thanks!

 

[thereverendturtle]

I've kept them off and on for about 20 years. They are very shy and tend to hug the bottom and hide amongst decorations. There is also the problem that a large one will eat neons. A pair of cupids would be a more active choice. Personally though I'd go with an apisto species. More color and very active.

 

[FishLover66]

Cupids? Huh, I've never heard of them, but love the name--and how appropriate on Valentine's Day! I'll have to do some research. They don't get big and aren't aggressive toward other fish? Also, I'm sort of a beginner (had tanks growing up and in early 20's, but it's been a while, so I really don't want a fussy/hard to card for fish.

I'll have to do more research on the Apisto's too. They are very colorful.

Decisions, decisions. Kind of wish there were smaller sized Angelfish--then it would be a no-brainer!

Thanks for your suggestions!!

 

[snake007]

Sorry but how big is a marineland cube? Dimensions?Keyholes will eat the neons, apistos are a better choice.

 

[FishLover66]

The Marineland Cube is approx. 20"T x 20"W x 18"D. I know I need to stick with smaller cichlids, but I was hoping for something with a bit of substance--some of the apistos are VERY small. The other type of cichlid I was looking at were dwarf to medium sized (no larger than 4-5") acaras. The main problem with them is I've never seen any of them (apistos or acaras) at local fish stores. There are plenty of the larger type of SA cichlids and tons of the African cichlids, but I really want to stick to a south american/amazonian aquarium. There are a couple stores that have rams. The other issue I had with many of the dwarves is that they stay close to the bottom and I'm looking for a fish that will own the tank and swim all over. Not having any luck though.

I do like the Bolivian Rams and one of the fish stores I frequent have several males, but no females. Still not sure if I want a pair though.

I don't know...... I'm really wishing I had the space for a larger tank, so I could get an angel. LOVE them.

 

[onidrase]

those are some really awkward dimensions. It's hard to say what would really fit, but imo I'd avoid anything bigger than your average bolivian ram in regards to cichlids.

 

[FishLover66]

Ok, thanks. I think that's what I'm going to go with. I do think Bolivians are adorable and I've heard they have some personality. Do you think I should go with a pair or a single male? I really want to see their natural behavior and am not sure keeping just one male will provide that.

 

[onidrase]

Ok, thanks. I think that's what I'm going to go with. I do think Bolivians are adorable and I've heard they have some personality. Do you think I should go with a pair or a single male? I really want to see their natural behavior and am not sure keeping just one male will provide that.

they don't have to be a breeding pair. Any two bolivians will do. But imo it's kinda mean to keep any dwarf cichlid alone. Even if they aren't breeding, they all enjoy company of their own kind.

 

[FishLover66]

I agree. I think it would be very cute to watch them interact with each other--don't care if they actually breed as it's a community tank and the fry would most likely get eaten anyway. So two males would be fine or should I try to get a pair?

 

[snake007]

You can try and get a pair if you want but two males will be fine.

 

[FishLover66]

Thanks for your help!

 

[snake007]

Glad to help