Keyhole Cichlid Breeding Guide (Cleithracara maronii)

Breeding the Keyhole Cichlid (Cleithracara maronii): a substrate-spawning cichlid that forms pairs, lays up to 300 eggs on a flat surface and cares for fry for months.

Overview

The Keyhole Cichlid (Cleithracara maronii) is a peaceful, pair-forming substrate spawner. The eggs are laid on a solid surface and tended by both parents, with parental care continuing for several months after spawning.

Sexing

Males are significantly larger than females, with extended dorsal and anal fins; juveniles cannot be sexed externally.

Conditioning

Unless sexed adults are available, it is best to begin with a group of young fish and let pairs form naturally. A good diet and stringent maintenance are key, and there is no particular trigger for spawning.

Breeding Setup

Provide solid, flat spawning sites such as a flat rock, driftwood, a broad plant leaf or the aquarium glass. Documented conditions are a temperature of 21-28 C, pH 4.0-7.5 and a wide hardness range.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

Spawning occurs in the typical cichlid fashion: the female lays one or more rows of eggs and the male moves in to fertilise them, repeated until she is spent. Up to about 300 eggs may be deposited.

Egg & Fry Care

The female tends and defends the eggs during incubation while the male defends the surrounding territory. Once free-swimming, the fry are easily fed on good-quality powdered dry foods, Artemia nauplii and microworm. Parental care can continue for several months after spawning.

Common Challenges

Allowing pairs to form naturally and keeping the shy fish in a calm tank with hiding places are the main factors for successful breeding.