Leopold’s Angelfish
Pterophyllum leopoldi
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 10–15 cm
- Minimum tank
- 250 litres
- Temperature
- 25–29 °C
Species profile
Keyhole Cichlid
Cleithracara maronii
Common names: Keyhole Cichlid
Recognized speciesCichlids
Adult size
Up to 12 cm
Typical adult length 8–12 cm.
Up to 12 cm
Countries of origin
Good fit for your tank?
Good fit for
- Mature planted aquarium setups
- Beginner shrimp keepers
Think carefully if
- The aquarium contains shrimp-eating fish
- The tank is newly cycled
- Water conditions change frequently
A shy, peaceful Guianan cichlid recognised by a keyhole-shaped flank mark and suited to calm planted communities.
Appearance and Identification
A beige to olive cichlid with a dark keyhole-shaped flank blotch, subtle bars, and blue-green iridescence.
The keyhole-shaped flank mark and rounded body are characteristic. Stress can darken the entire fish.
Males may be larger with more pointed dorsal and anal fins. Females become fuller before spawning.
Tank Requirements
- Suggested filter
- About 300–450 litres an hour
- Suggested heater
- About 150–225 W for this tank
- Minimum tank volume
- 150 litres
- Minimum tank length
- 100 cm
- Minimum group size
- 2
- Recommended group size
- 4
- Activity level
- Moderate
- Flow preference
- Low
- Planting preference
- Moderately planted
- Hiding places
- Yes
- Lid recommended
- Yes
- Jumping risk
- Low
Provide plants, wood, leaf litter, shaded retreats, open swimming areas, and a calm community. A group or compatible pair needs visual security.
Behaviour and Tankmates
Peaceful and cautious, often darkening or hiding when alarmed.
Can be kept as a pair or small group in a spacious calm aquarium.
Breeding pairs defend a modest area around eggs and fry.
Suitable with peaceful tetras, pencilfish, rasboras, and calm catfish. Tiny shrimp and fry may be eaten.
Water Parameters
Soft slightly acidic water is preferred, though captive fish tolerate moderate mineral content when stable.
Parameter caveat
Avoid aggressive or fast boisterous tank mates because shy fish may stop feeding.
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Manual aquarium siphon and gravel cleaner
A manual siphon for routine aquarium water changes and accessible waste removal. The seller lists a hose approximately 1.6 m long.
Control the flow and keep the intake clear of fish and delicate planting. Clean the areas appropriate for your substrate and layout rather than disturbing the entire planted bed.
Daraz NepalCheck availability on Daraz
Feeding
- Diet types
- Insectivore, Omnivore
- Feeding frequency
- Daily
- Preferred foods
- Live baby brine shrimpUseful for conditioning adults and feeding juveniles; rinse before use.
- Daphnia, cyclops, or mosquito larvaeSmall moving prey encourages natural feeding behaviour.
- Frozen brine shrimp or mysisOffer thawed portions sized for the fish.
- High-quality cichlid micro-pelletUse as part of a varied diet after the fish accepts prepared food.
An omnivore taking small invertebrates, plant matter, and prepared foods.
Use sinking and slowly falling foods so shy fish can feed without competition.
Breeding
- Breeding type
- Egg Layer, Substrate Spawner
- Breeding difficulty
- Moderate
- Breeding temperature
- 26 °C
- Breeding pH
- 6.5
- Brood or egg count
- About 200 to 400 eggs.
- Incubation
- 3 days
- Parental care
- Biparental care
- Baby foods
- Newly hatched brine shrimpPrimary food for free-swimming fry; feed small rinsed portions several times daily.
- MicrowormsUseful supplementary food for small fry near the substrate.
- Fine powdered fry foodUse sparingly and remove uneaten material.
A biparental substrate spawner. Eggs are laid on a flat stone, leaf, or wood surface and guarded by both parents.
Habitat and Origin
- Geographic origin
- French Guiana, Guyana, South America, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela
- Natural habitat
- Floodplain, Freshwater Stream, Slow River, Vegetated Shoreline
- Aquarium contexts
- Breeding Aquarium, Freshwater Aquarium, Freshwater Community, Planted Aquarium
- Audience level
- Beginner
Classification
- Profile type
- Recognized species
- Genus
- Cleithracara
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Species group
- Cichlids, Fish, South American Cichlids
- Previous scientific names
- Aequidens maronii, Historic generic placement used in older aquarium literature.
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Megasema Eartheater
Geophagus megasema
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 15–22 cm
- Minimum tank
- 400 litres
- Temperature
- 24–29 °C
Mirabilis Eartheater
Geophagus mirabilis
- Care level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 14–20 cm
- Minimum tank
- 350 litres
- Temperature
- 24–29 °C
Orinoco Peacock Bass
Cichla orinocensis
- Care level
- Specialist
- Adult size
- 45–65 cm
- Minimum tank
- 1800 litres
- Temperature
- 24–30 °C