Keyhole Cichlids ? ID my mystery cichlid please

[suresh2989]

Same happened to me. In 2020, I ordered keyhole cichlids and got Cichlasoma amazonarum. And they did eventually eat a few Neón tetras and pencilfish before I moved them to another tank for safety. They grow up quickly and are very prolific!

Yours have 4 anal fin spines, so they could be C. amazonarum too, or C. Bimaculatum. I believe C. dimerus have 3 anal fin spines. I can’t remember off hand which others have 4, there are about 14 Cichlasoma species that look pretty similar especially when young.

Their growth is phenomenal and I have seen flowerhorn fry grow solo , it was fun watching form territories and grow but alas I did give it away to lfs.

 

[suresh2989]

Agree with Ryan, I don't see a keyhole in the bunch
They look Cichlasoma, or rclosely elated Acara to me too.
View attachment 1511924View attachment 1511925
Young Cichlasoma dimerus to compare, left juvie, older adult (about 5") right.
These are the Uruguayan variant, and very hardy, could take water temps down to low 50's F
View attachment 1511926

Thanks as usual very good info from you! I gave them up at LFS.