how many keyhole cichlids?

As mooman said... aggressiveness during breeding of any cichlids can be a concern in a community tank.

I had 2 male keyholes in my 29gal community and they never caused a problem with neons, 3 corys, and a couple of cherry barbs. For cichlids, you can't get more peaceful than keyholes. I wonder if anyone here knows about their aggressiveness during breeding.

I also think 6 will be quite a lot for your tank size. I'd stick with a pair or 3 at most. When you see them in the LFS, it's very deceptive cause they look cute and small... mine grew to a good 3 inches long and they had girth... maybe 2 1/2 inches top to bottom.
 
I've been quoted size estimates of 4 and 5 inches on the keyholes. One male and two, at most three females would work. A few cichlids will more than hold your interest. This will save bioload space to have nice full schools of whatever dither fish and scavangers you decide on.
 
sounds good, mooman... only problem will be trying to determine which are males/females... I personally couldn't see any differences between the keyholes at my LFS.

I was planning on doing 4 to start, then seeing if i could do more... but it sounds like maybe four would be it (which is fine). I was planning on just having those with some cories (pandas?) and maybe my clown pleco, who i rarely see anyway. After starting my goldfish tank, I realized that I prefer the simplicity of a species tank over a community tank.
 
Cichlid species tanks rock. It is the only way to fully enjoy thier breeding habits and fry raising techniques without worrying about fry predation.

Get the four keyholes, and watch their behavior. When they pair off you will know it. Then you can find a home for any extra males.
 
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