What size tank do keyhole cichlids need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a pair. The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a pair, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Cleithracara maronii.
How many keyhole cichlids in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if keyhole cichlids are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many keyhole cichlids |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | Too small |
| 29 gallon | 2 |
| 40 gallon breeder | 2 |
| 55 gallon | 2 |
| 75 gallon | up to 4 |
| 125 gallon | up to 8 |
Check keyhole cichlids against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Best kept as a pair. A pair will claim a patch of the tank floor and defend it, most of all when they have eggs.
Tank mates for keyhole cichlids
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Swordtail
- Odessa barb
- Giant danio
- Bloodfin tetra
- Glass catfish
- Dwarf neon rainbowfish
- Bleeding heart tetra
- Platy
Poor matches
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as keyhole cichlid.
- Molly: They need different water: Keyhole cichlid likes a pH of 6–7.5, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Questions and answers
What size tank do keyhole cichlids need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a pair. The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many keyhole cichlids should be kept together?
At least 2. Keyhole cichlids are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can keyhole cichlids live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Keyhole cichlid needs at least 30 gallons (114 liters).
What temperature do keyhole cichlids need?
72–79 °F (22–26 °C), with a pH of 6–7.5. In most homes that means a heater.
Can keyhole cichlids live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 30 gallons (114 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–79 °F (24–26 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
- Japanese ricefish
- Rosy red minnow
- Kissing gourami
- Severum
- Green terror
- Blood parrot cichlid
- All 118 species
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.