Keyhole cichlid: Difference between revisions
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==Appearance== |
==Appearance== |
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The species is a small tan coloured ovate-bodied fish. It has a black spot on its upper flank which sometimes extends into a short stripe. This gives rise to the common name, keyhole cichlid, from which the genus name ''Cleithracara'' (meaning "lock acara") is derived.<ref>Kullander SO (2003) [http://www2.nrm.se/ve/pisces/acara/cleithra.shtml Cleithracara] [http://www2.nrm.se/ve/pisces/acara/welcome.shtml Guide To The South American Cichlidae]</ref> When the species is startled or nervous it assumes a blotchy colouration and presses its body against rocks or logs in an attempt to [[camouflage]] itself.<ref name="fishbase"/><ref name="baensch"/> It is generally shy, peaceful and should ''''' ''not''' be kept with |
The species is a small tan coloured ovate-bodied fish. It has a black spot on its upper flank which sometimes extends into a short stripe. This gives rise to the common name, keyhole cichlid, from which the genus name ''Cleithracara'' (meaning "lock acara") is derived.<ref>Kullander SO (2003) [http://www2.nrm.se/ve/pisces/acara/cleithra.shtml Cleithracara] [http://www2.nrm.se/ve/pisces/acara/welcome.shtml Guide To The South American Cichlidae]</ref> When the species is startled or nervous it assumes a blotchy colouration and presses its body against rocks or logs in an attempt to [[camouflage]] itself.<ref name="fishbase"/><ref name="baensch"/> It is generally shy, peaceful and should ''''' ''not''' be kept with aggressive species. |
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==Reproduction and sexual dimorphism== |
==Reproduction and sexual dimorphism== |
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Revision as of 20:28, 21 August 2007
| Keyhole cichlid | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
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| Subfamily: | |
| Genus: | Cleithracara (Kullander & Nijssen 1989)
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| Species: | C. maronii
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| Binomial name | |
| Cleithracara maronii (Steindachner, 1881)
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| Synonyms | |
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Aequidens maronii | |
The keyhole cichlid, Cleithracara maronii, is a cichlid fish endemic to tropical South America, occurring in the Orinoco River basin from Guyana to French Guiana.[1] The single species is the only species in the genus Cleithracara.[2] The species is popular with fishkeeping hobbyists and is frequently kept in aquariums.[2][3]
Appearance
The species is a small tan coloured ovate-bodied fish. It has a black spot on its upper flank which sometimes extends into a short stripe. This gives rise to the common name, keyhole cichlid, from which the genus name Cleithracara (meaning "lock acara") is derived.[4] When the species is startled or nervous it assumes a blotchy colouration and presses its body against rocks or logs in an attempt to camouflage itself.[1][3] It is generally shy, peaceful and should not be kept with aggressive species.
Reproduction and sexual dimorphism
It is a monogamous, biparentally custodial breeder which spawns on flattened rocks, logs or leaves.[2] Clutch size ranges from 300-400 eggs that are tended by both the male and female.[1][3] The sexes are difficult to distinguish, though some males have a longer and more pointed anal fin.[3]
Diet
The species feeds on crustaceans, insects and other invertebrates.[1]
In the aquarium
The species is suitable for the community aquarium and will accept a wide variety of prepared fish food in captivity. The environment in aquaria should mimic the natural habitat of the species and include plants and numerous hiding places.[3]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. "Cleithracara maronii Keyhole cichlid". FishBase. Retrieved 2007-04-15.
{{cite web}}:|author=has generic name (help) - ^ a b c Loiselle PV. (1994) The Cichlid Aquarium, Voyageur Press, ISBN 1-56465-146-0
- ^ a b c d e Riehl, Rüdiger. Editor. (1996. 5th Edn.). Aquarium Atlas. Germany: Tetra Press. ISBN 3-88244-050-3.
{{cite book}}:|first=has generic name (help); Check date values in:|year=(help); Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ Kullander SO (2003) Cleithracara Guide To The South American Cichlidae
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