Maroni Cichlid

Cleithracara maronii

Family : Cichlidae

FishFreshwatercichlid-south-america

Dwarf cichlid with a deep body and brownish spotted coloration, peaceful and suitable for community tanks.

Maroni Cichlid — photo 1 sur 4
Bartosz Senderek · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.51 / 4
Popularity
Biotope specialist
requires biotope recreation
Availability
Specialty only
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern
Biotope
South America
Hors bassin amazonien : Paraná, Orénoque, Andes.

Description

Cleithracara maronii reaches 8 to 10 cm. Its body is deep and laterally compressed, beige to light brown, with irregular black spots on the flanks and a dark spot on the operculum. The fins are transparent with light spots. It is a shy and peaceful fish that lives in pairs or small groups. It prefers acidic, soft water with dense vegetation and hiding places. Breeding occurs on a hard substrate (stone, root) and the parents guard the eggs and fry. It is sensitive to water quality.

Habitat

Region :

Rivers and creeks with black, acidic waters of Suriname and French Guiana

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2427 °C
pH5.56.5
GH26 °dGH
KH13 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 20 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.5 mg/L

Care

Difficulty
3/5
Diet
Omnivore
Min. tank
80 L
Min. group
2
Adult size
10 cm
Lifespan
5 years
Temperament
Peaceful
Propagation

Care notes

A minimum 80-liter aquarium is recommended for a pair. Water should be acidic (pH 5.5-6.5) and soft (GH 2-6), with a temperature of 24-27°C. Gentle filtration and moderate lighting are suitable. Diet is omnivorous: flakes, pellets, brine shrimp, bloodworms. Avoid aggressive fish; peaceful tetras, corydoras, and small loricariids are good tankmates. Provide hiding places with roots, stones, and plants. Regular water changes (20% per week) are important. Breeding is possible in a community tank if conditions are stable.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References