Cichlid Pair for 55.

[TheFishDodo]

Hi this is my first post to the forum. I have been looking at getting either a 40 breeder or a 55 gallon aquarium and I want to stock it with a pair of cichlids. But my dilemma is that I want these cichlids have the "wet pet" personality. I am looking at either fish from West Africa rivers/ Madagascar or new world cichlids. Any suggestions are welcome and I might be able to move up to a 75 gallon in the long term.

 

[justarn]

Pair of white convicts, only because I picked up this stud today
Like a mini Midas in white.

 

[TheFishDodo]

Pair of white convicts, only because I picked up this stud today
Like a mini Midas in white.

View attachment 1307408

Thats the best looking convict I have ever seen nice find.

 

[Gourami Swami]

Cryptoheros sajica is a good choice for a 55. I have kept them a few different times, they are always friendly. If by "wet pet" personality, you mean you want something like an amphilophus, just get the 75 gallon now, or a 90 if you can. It'll take up the same floor space, and a 55 won't be large enough for a pair of 10"+ cichlids, which I suspect is what you actually want. Tetracanthus would be a good choice, pair would be ok in a 75 imo (though keep a divider on hand). Lyonsi could work too.

 

[TheFishDodo]

Cryptoheros sajica is a good choice for a 55. I have kept them a few different times, they are always friendly. If by "wet pet" personality, you mean you want something like an amphilophus, just get the 75 gallon now, or a 90 if you can. It'll take up the same floor space, and a 55 won't be large enough for a pair of 10"+ cichlids, which I suspect is what you actually want. Tetracanthus would be a good choice, pair would be ok in a 75 imo (though keep a divider on hand). Lyonsi could work too.

The Lyonsi look like they might be a good choice.

 

[tlindsey]

Hi this is my first post to the forum. I have been looking at getting either a 40 breeder or a 55 gallon aquarium and I want to stock it with a pair of cichlids. But my dilemma is that I want these cichlids have the "wet pet" personality. I am looking at either fish from West Africa rivers/ Madagascar or new world cichlids. Any suggestions are welcome and I might be able to move up to a 75 gallon in the long term.

Welcome aboard

 

[YankeeJack]

Indeed! Welcome. I may be a bit biased- how about some Jack Dempseys?

 

[Gourami Swami]

The Lyonsi look like they might be a good choice.

great fish, I would say only if you can swing the 75 or 90 right away though, don't bother with the 40 or 55. They get big and can be hard on each other.
Here's my old 11" male

 

[Hendre]

Get a group of African butterfly cichlids (
Anomalochromis thomasi)

In a tank like that I think that they'll be lots of fun! Wish I had some myself!

 

[TheFishDodo]

Would a pair of Gold Saum work for a 75?