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Well, I finally did it.

After years of swearing I'd never own a cichlid, I broke down at the LFS and got 2 juvenile Keyholes (Cleithracara maronii) to add to my heavily planted 38 gallon community. Unfortunately, being so small, I couldn't sex them. I'm not sure how mature Keyhole males get along, so I hope I didn't get 2 males.

This brings the stock to:
12 white clouds
8 C. palateus
4ish ottos (little buggers are hard to count!)
1 wood shrimp
12+ ghost shrimp
2 Keyholes

One they settle in a bit, I'll grab some pictures. I have to admit, I was surprised at how much these fish could change their coloring. They went from the normal brownish coloration with the spot right before being netted at the LFS to a dark brown/black coloration right after being netted. They've been in the tank about 4 hours now and they've regained their normal coloration.

God, these little guys are adorable.

Joe Potato


Edit: Pics as promised. I took about 70 shots, and these 7 were the decent ones. There's also a full tank shot in the album. Comments are appreciated. I realize that most of the plants are on the left side of the tank, and I'm going to replant some of the Subulata to the right side.

Aha congratulations! Of course , now it begins muhahaahahhaaa. Cichliditis!

Well at least you did the sensible thing and chose a sensible species,not huge or psychopathic, and consequently wont be too disappointed.

Cichlids do have that level of intelligence that put others in the shade, but as you know , that intelligence does come with a few complications.

(Puts of darth vader voice) Now you will learn the need for good water quality, now you will feel the desire to provide diet variety, now you will know the need for territory and visual barriers. I can feel your fear, it is the fear of the breeding pair of cichlids.


We shall look forward to completing your training.

Have fun!

Welcome to the addictive world of cichlids

The keyholes look good and I like the full tank shot, your plants look very healthy. I could be wrong but the second shot looks like it might be a female...

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There is water at the bottom of the ocean

Man - I love keyholes...but I've never been lucky enough to find any locally when I had tank space.

Nice looking keyholes, and I agree your tank is beautiful.

Eric

A keyhole was my first cichlid as well. I love my little guy and I plan on adding another when I find one. He can be a little shy if I make sudden movements near the tank. Mine seems to change colors at night when he's sleeping or if I'm in the tank rooting around a lot and doing a gravel vac.