Just got my first big Cichlid !

[Thalassa]

Big to me at least! probably not to you guys....

I have kept Convicts and Blue Acara but was at the LFS this weekend and saw this beautiful green terror which has always been one of the fish I have wanted!
Right now he is in a 29G with some colombian tetra. I plan to put him in a 55G.

After I move him to the 55G want would be suitable tank mates for him?

Here is what I was thinking might be cool if the tank is OK size.
Jack Dempsey: love this fish too but maybe too big to be in a 55?
Firemouth:
convict :
maybe giant danios or large tetras


any suggestions welcome!

Thanks

 

[Deadeye]

Love gt’s, one of my favorite cichlids!
GT gets bigger than jd on average, so if a 55 is to small for a jd, than it’s too small for a gt. Ideally a 75 for one, but it’s been done in a 55.
In a 55, I’d leave the gt alone with some dithers like rainbowfish or large tetras.

 

[Thalassa]

Love gt’s, one of my favorite cichlids!
GT gets bigger than jd on average, so if a 55 is to small for a jd, than it’s too small for a gt. Ideally a 75 for one, but it’s been done in a 55.
In a 55, I’d leave the gt alone with some dithers like rainbowfish or large tetras.

Thanks Deadeye.

 

[Thalassa]

Also he looks like a male to me is that right?

 

[Deadeye]

I’d guess so based on the patterning on the anal fin.

 

[Thalassa]

Do you think a 55G would be big enough for him to have a convict side kick?

 

[Thalassa]

Deadeye If I went with a 75G what could I fit in there with him?

 

[Rocksor]

Deadeye If I went with a 75G what could I fit in there with him?

Only if they get along really well. If not, not much space to escape. Growing up together doesn’t guarantee compatibility.

i temporarily housed a 9-10” GT in a 55g…. It looked too small for him

 

[Thalassa]

Thanks Deadeye

 

[duanes]

A 55 is too small if you want other cichlid tank mates, so is a 75 once the GT is mature.
To have a successful cichlid community once mature, you'll need a minimum 6 ft tank, and even that amount of space gives no guarantee of sufficient territory for each cichlids satisfaction, or compatibility.