Keyhole cichlid Care Guide

The Keyhole Cichlid is a moderately vibrant, social fish that has gained popularity among aquatic enthusiasts. Here's how to care for them effectively in a home aquarium:

Tank Setup

To emulate their natural environment, ensure the aquarium includes plenty of plants, rocks, and driftwood, which serve as hiding spots and territories. The Keyhole Cichlid can thrive in community tanks but requires around 50 liters of water per fish to maintain appropriate space. They are adaptable creatures, occupying all levels within the tank as surface, mid-tank, and bottom dwellers.

Maintain a stable water temperature between 24-28°C and a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0 to support their health and vibrant color. Given their moderate territorial behavior, a spacious tank will help minimize aggressive encounters.

Feeding

Keyhole Cichlids are omnivorous and should be fed a varied diet to promote good health and vibrant coloration. A suitable diet includes flakes, pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex worms, and frozen shrimp. It is also beneficial to include vegetable matter and algae wafers in their diet, along with color-enhancing food. Supplement with foods like daphnia, micro worms, feeder fish, freeze-dried foods, and stick-on tablets to offer more dietary balance.

General Care

The Keyhole Cichlid is moderately hardy but demands some care. They require regular water changes and tank maintenance to prevent the buildup of nitrates and harmful bacteria. Their social nature means they do well in groups; ideal school sizes starting at six can help minimize stress and show off their social behaviors. As affordability is also a factor with the Keyhole Cichlid, they are accessible for hobbyists of various experience levels.

Monitor the fish for any signs of aggression, especially during breeding periods when they become slightly more aggressive. Regular observation ensures that any territorial disputes are promptly identified and resolved.

Breeding

Keyhole Cichlids require optimal conditions to breed successfully. Creating a dedicated breeding tank or modifying their existing habitat can encourage spawning. Maintain a temperature between 26-28°C and a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Replicate their natural habitat using hiding spots and flat surfaces as these fish are substrate spawners. Stimulate breeding by gradually increasing the water temperature and performing frequent water changes with slightly cooler water to mimic the rainy season.

Observations During Breeding

Once the female lays approximately 300 eggs on the chosen flat surface, both parents will guard and aerate the eggs. Eggs hatch within 3 to 5 days. Following hatching, parents protect the fry, which remain in substrate pits. After 5 to 6 days, fry become free-swimming and should be fed infusoria or newly hatched brine shrimp, transitioning to crushed flakes as they mature.

Ensuring clean water and removing leftover foods can further protect the health of the fry and parents. Consider temporarily moving either the fry or other tank mates to avoid conflicts in a community setting.