Aequidens Maronii
Aequidens maronii is commonly called the "keyhole cichlid" because of the dark region near its lower quarter that takes the shape of a keyhole. The reason for the name maronii is simple: the fish was originally found in the Maroni River in Venezuela. Keyhole cichlids are very mild mannered and usually will not attack any smaller fish without provocation. They are fairly timid and lose their color when frightened. Sex is easily determined by a comparison of the anal fins of the male and female, the male's fin being much longer and more pointed.
Keyhole cichlids are good parents and may be bred easily by the amateur if the proper conditioning precautions are followed. They thrive well on all types of live food.
Astronotus ocellatus—commonly called "oscars." Anyone owning a mated pair of these fish paid over $100 for them, and anyone who believes he can breed them and successfully rear the young knows enough about the fish not to rely upon popular names. They are vicious, large (up to a foot in length), and very difficult to breed. Though in relatively rare instances they have been successfully bred, they probably did their spawning alone in a 100-gallon tank or larger. This will usually put them out of reach of the ordinary fancier. A 100-gallon tank filled with water weighs close to half a ton, and not many homes have floors that can stand such a concentrated weight. However, many aquarists feel that oscars develop a distinct personality. They recognize their keeper and like to be stroked, facts making them very popular with some hobbyists.
A. ocellatus is pugnacious looking, and, in character with its looks, it makes short work of any fish smaller than 3 inches and has been known to attack larger fish. Young are often available, but as they grow they will eat larger and larger fish.
If they do spawn, their eggs must be removed and hatched in a 35-gallon tank by themselves.
