Okay , so I’m happy to rehome my convicts but I’m really attached to the keyhole is there any way I could keep him ? He’s a really docile guy ? I’d like to keep apistogrammas but I’m not sure how tbe temperaments would work
Yes. Question not yet answered, what are your water parameters (GH and pH particularly)? Once we know these, it will be easy to suggest tankmates for the Keyhole, species
Cleithracara maronii, see data:
Origin and Habitat: Rio Orinoco basin (Venezuela) eastward through Suriname, Guyana and as far as the Rio Ouanary in French Guyana; possibly Trinidad. This species is not abundant, occurring in small populations within this geographical area. It is found in slow-moving, shallow coastal forest streams that are often stained brown from the tannins of decaying wood. The population reported from Trinidad has not been encountered since 1965 according to Kullander.
Compatibility/Temperament: Very peaceful except when spawning. This is a very shy and retiring species, easily frightened [see additional discussion under Description] and should not be combined with other more aggressive cichlids. Peaceful characins, rasbora, and substrate fish are ideal as "dither fish" to lessen this species' natural shyness. In larger tanks, it may be combined with discus, angelfish and some of the dwarf cichlids.
An ideal cichlid for a community aquarium of non-aggressive fishes. Kept on its own, it will likely be very shy and retiring, and prone to stress. The presence of other fish (termed dither fish) will keep it more settled and relaxed. This is certainly not a fish for a barren tank, in which it will be highly stressed.
The aquarium should have a dark substrate, with some flat stones and several chunks of bogwood, and floating plants to shade the light that should not be bright. This would replicate its natural habit, but additional plants will also be suitable especially as they will provide more cover. Keeping in mind its natural habitat, the flow from the filter must be minimal, something that will also suit most forest fish that make good tankmates. Cichlids other than discus, angelfish and the South American dwarf species should not be kept with this species to avoid stress.
