Best cichlid pair

[Jexnell]

Are you saying that for the size of the fish or because a pair might not work in that tank, I did think about a Cuban cichlid pair

Some fish like Oscar's both get to 12in in length so a bit of a tight fight, hard to make a place for her to fit in that he can't. Others like Carpintis have a 12in male but a 8 to 10in female. You can make her a hide he can't get into.
Also the breed of fish will play a role. Some can breed at a younger, smaller size. Others like the Oscar can't breed till a certain age, and in some after they have reached full size.

 

[JF Sirois]

I would suggest you a gt pair, un my expérience they are more personable than JD's and I wouldn't go with a bigger fish than that

 

[duanes]

You have dozens of choses of Central Americans in a 130, especially if its just a pair. I have a kept a bred a number of cichlids that top out at around 10" in that size tank, I wouldn't get larger fish.
You may need to start with a group of juvies to allow them to determine the best partner for that size tank.
Some pairs I have kept in that size tank below.
Nandopsis tetracanthus.

Those from the genus Chuco
first intermedia

C micropthalus

any of the Amatitlania
1st myrnae

and cutteri

H nicaraguense


I personally would avoid the larger Vieja, most Parachromis, and others that need much more footprint to be comfortable.
Although a pair of gram modes may be possible if they are properly paired up.

 

[MrsE88]

I’m biased and vote gt pair.
I have a trio in my 135.
My male is very interactive even with two females to keep him busy. The schoolers add lots more movement to the tank. I was going to add a bottom dweller, but decided against it for now.

My boy

His main chick

Side piece


You do have lots of options.

 

[JF Sirois]

I’m biased and vote gt pair.
I have a trio in my 135.
My male is very interactive even with two females to keep him busy. The schoolers add lots more movement to the tank. I was going to add a bottom dweller, but decided against it for now.
View attachment 1348539
My boy
View attachment 1348538
His main chick
View attachment 1348537
Side piece
View attachment 1348541

You do have lots of options.

Your male is nicee, first one I've seen prettier than mine

 

[Gourami Swami]

My vote would be for Amphilophus Lyonsi. Very personable, extremely pretty in breeding colors, not TOO aggressive usually, and a very underrated fish. Also supposedly extinct in the wild, so breeding them and distributing the fry is working to keep the species alive

 

[Bertie07]

You have dozens of choses of Central Americans in a 130, especially if its just a pair. I have a kept a bred a number of cichlids that top out at around 10" in that size tank, I wouldn't get larger fish.
You may need to start with a group of juvies to allow them to determine the best partner for that size tank.
Some pairs I have kept in that size tank below.
Nandopsis tetracanthus.

Those from the genus Chuco
first intermedia

C micropthalus

any of the Amatitlania
1st myrnae

and cutteri

H nicaraguense


I personally would avoid the larger Vieja, most Parachromis, and others that need much more footprint to be comfortable.
Although a pair of gram modes may be possible if they are properly paired up.

Okay thanks, you have kept some really stunning fish, what was your tetracanthus pair like

 

[Bertie07]

I’m biased and vote gt pair.
I have a trio in my 135.
My male is very interactive even with two females to keep him busy. The schoolers add lots more movement to the tank. I was going to add a bottom dweller, but decided against it for now.
View attachment 1348539
My boy
View attachment 1348538
His main chick
View attachment 1348537
Side piece
View attachment 1348541

You do have lots of options.

Your male is stunning, best one I’ve seen, will have to defenitly consider them, how long did he take to get to that size and did you start off with a group of juveniles

 

[Bertie07]

My vote would be for Amphilophus Lyonsi. Very personable, extremely pretty in breeding colors, not TOO aggressive usually, and a very underrated fish. Also supposedly extinct in the wild, so breeding them and distributing the fry is working to keep the species alive

I do like them, they were one of my first choice, could you post some pics of yours and what was their growth like

 

[duanes]

Okay thanks, you have kept some really stunning fish, what was your tetracanthus pair like

They were quite aggressive, and would not tolerate any other fish in a 6 ft tank. They spawned about every 3 months or so, which always heightens aggression.
[/URL[URL=http://s70.photobucket.com/user/dstuer/media/cubanos/cubans%20w%20fry/freeswim6-21009.jpg.html]
many fry would eat their smaller brothers and sisters, doing a bunch of culling for me.

Some of my favorites to keep.
Just curious what type water you have?
Hard and mineral rich, good for North, and Central Americans and Caribbean species.
Soft and mineral poor? better for S Americans.[/URL]