View Full Version : Anybody on here own keyholes??
Just curious for some experienced feedback
I own 2 Laetacara Dorsiger....I believe they are keyholes.
They are extremely shy, often hiding, and very spaztic when spooked. Their colors change quickly as well.....
.....They're one of the fish I wished I had never bought. :rolleyes:
optix
06-03-2003, 10:32 PM
Im looking to get aequidens maroniis and this picture here of a pair guarding the fry definatly sold me on this species. I have to keep them at least once. I think the 20 gallon would make a good home for a pair of them. Another specie name used for them is Cleithracara maronii.
http://www.wiljo.nu/images/fisksidae/aequidens_maronii_6.htm
Jayhawk
06-03-2003, 10:34 PM
This is no real help, but I'd like to try a pair myself someday. Although they are not Laetacara dorsiger, their care is pretty similar I believe. They're supposedly OK with a higher pH like yours and mine, and they were at one time very common (I remember seeing them a lot at LFSs back in the early 80s). I'm not sure why they're not still popular - they look good, stay small, and are peaceful.
If you find a pair, your twenty would be great for them...possibly even 2 pairs.
Eric
optix
06-03-2003, 10:44 PM
Right now I have 2 plants and a clay flower pot in the 20 gallon. Do you think with another small pot and a few more plants and a small piece of driftwood in there I could also put in a pair of bolivian rams with a pair of keyholes??? I know both species are peaceful but im worried more about bioload on my lil penguin mini. If I were to do that I think I will up to an AC300. I think I should do that anyway.
Slappy*McFish
06-04-2003, 1:06 AM
I have one grown male keyhole in my 55 plant tank...He's about 4" long and pretty thick bodied with nice, long fin extensions. He doesn't do a whole lot...mainly just finds a nice spot to kick back and float around...he also seems to enjoy the company of my large male angelfish. They can usually be seen hanging out together, with an occasional "display" for one another...no harm ever comes of this..I guess they are just being males and cichlids.
I think keyholes are nice to look at, even though they are usually a rather drab brown color....sometimes mine will look almost yellow to almost dark chocolate brown, depending on his "mood".
Kit Walker
06-04-2003, 2:15 AM
I have 2 of these in my community tank. They are so placid and laid back they make an excellent fish for those who wish to include cichlids in their community tank. They don't do a lot, and love to hang around the base of driftwood. They will however defend their own personal space. Mine get along with Kribs, Angels and Red Jewels. Nice in a community, but maybe a bit too boring in a tank alone.