2x Maroon cichlid - Aequidens maronii

The habitat of the Maroon Cichlid, also known as Aequidens maronii, extends across the Orinoco Delta in northern South America and in waters of the Guyana countries. It prefers to inhabit rather low flowing waters and tributaries. The optimally to be socialized perches are suitable prima for a community tank with further Amazon species and represent a beautiful pontoon to the usual multicolored fishes and the aquarium planting.

The Maroni cichlids grow to a size of just 10 cm. Males can be visually distinguished from females primarily by their larger fins, but also by their genital papillae, which become visible primarily during courtship. They exhibit the tpyic perch body with a slight high back and a terminal mouth with thickened lip bulges. In base color they are yellow-gold with light belly side. When stressed, as well as during transfer or transport, they turn completely brown for a short period of time, which lightens up again once they have calmed down, generally they are considered to be timid. There is a black line across the eye from the forehead to the dorsal fin, and a distinct black spot below the dorsal fin, which has also earned them the name "keyhole perch". They can live for 10-12 years.

Breeding in the aquarium is possible if they feel comfortable. Maroon cichlids breed openly, that is, they lay up to 400 eggs in plain view on a smooth surface that they have carefully selected and cleaned beforehand. They defend their brood and also the young together against fellow fish. However, it would be more optimal and promising to start them in a rearing aquarium.

Maroni cichlids can be well maintained in an aquarium of 150 liters or more. As substrate a fine with medium grained gravel or also sand is suitable. A good infrastructure with Roots and stones, but also with a dense planting in places serves their well-being and especially as a retreat, since they can hide in the plants prima, if they feel troubled. Floating plants also dampen the incidence of light somewhat. At water values with a total hardness (GH) between 10-20 °dGH and a pH-value of 6,5-8 they can be maintained very well, the temperature should be between 23 and 26 °C.

Especially with fish from their habitat, such as different peaceful tetras, like Glow tetra or Jewel tetrabut also with Corydoras they can be socialized very well.

The omnivorous Maroni Cichlids can be easily fed in the aquarium with commercial dry food, such as granulated food, but also flake food for carnivorous ornamental fish. Live and frozen foods such as artemia, mosquito larvae or enchytrae also spice up their diet well.

Our food recommendation: NatureHolic Cichfeed is a great staple food for all carnivorous cichlids in the aquarium, perfectly meeting their requirements for food composition. The tasty pearls are also very well eaten by larger cichlids. Thanks to their soft texture, NatureHolic Cichfeed food pearls are gentle on the mouth and can be eaten very well by the fish.

Our plant recommendation: Use for the planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.