Community Keyhole Question

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Davisfamily2018

Gambusia
MFK Member
Aug 7, 2017
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Ohio
I currently have larger, single species tanks, but found a 55 gallon for practically nothing, and want to set up a community tank for my daughters. I've had a lot of experience with central and South American cichlids, and because of this I'm thinking about a keyhole. The problem I'm having is that so many people seem convinced that smaller tetras are fine tankmates while others are convinced a keyhole will dovii all the tetras in the night. I have little experience with freshwater community tanks, and no experience with keyholes.

So are smaller tetras like neons and greens doable with a single keyhole?
If not, what are some preferably SA community fish that can be kept with them? And are able to be kept in relatively high number in a 55?
Is the keyhole okay kept singly, and not in a pair or shoal? (Would prefer no babies, already have a convict problem in another tank)

Thank you in advance!
 
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I had a breeding pair in a “well planted” as they say- community tank, 36” long, so less real estate than the 55. But nothing quite as small as neons. They were great little cichlids. Still a favorite. They are omnivorous but a look at their body is all you need to know they aren’t an arch predator of any description.
 
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In my experience they are completely peaceful and I personally will ignore anyone saying they will “dovii” small tetras, I had them with neon tetra size fish and they did nothing to them.
 
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Davisfamily2018 said:
I currently have larger, single species tanks, but found a 55 gallon for practically nothing, and want to set up a community tank for my daughters. I've had a lot of experience with central and South American cichlids, and because of this I'm thinking about a keyhole. The problem I'm having is that so many people seem convinced that smaller tetras are fine tankmates while others are convinced a keyhole will dovii all the tetras in the night. I have little experience with freshwater community tanks, and no experience with keyholes.

So are smaller tetras like neons and greens doable with a single keyhole?
If not, what are some preferably SA community fish that can be kept with them? And are able to be kept in relatively high number in a 55?
Is the keyhole okay kept singly, and not in a pair or shoal? (Would prefer no babies, already have a convict problem in another tank)

Thank you in advance!
Click to expand...
I had some keyholes way back and they were extremely passive and non predatory.
 
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Keyhole cichlids are BY FAR the most passive Cichlid. I looked at them for my 55, and I didn’t get them, because I was interested in Congo River stuff, but also I didn’t know if they could hold there own in semi-aggressive tanks, which I am fairly sure they can. They aren’t the prettiest fish, but they are passive, easy to keep, relatively cheap, and don’t need a large tank. Pairs of cichlids are much better, but these guys can go in groups of 3 or more, or stay single.
 
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They are passive but if they get hungry enough they will eat anything that fit in their mouth - just a question if it is easier to catch a small tetra or find algae/micro-organism.
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One commentary is that 55 are not the best shaped tank - imho a 40B is a better tank for them - you don't need the height and a bit more on the width is a bonus. Naturally there are larger thanks that are wider than a 55 and not so high - but i guess it all comes down to personal preference. As for buying new or used - just remember petco $1 sales (even if aqueon tanks suck).
 
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