Best Large Cichlid for 135 gallon

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I know Trimacs have a bad rep for aggression. And Chanco get really big.

So far out of my amphs, the 'mutts' (Petsmaer red devils) have actually been my favorites. Seem like less aggression than my hoga's and true midas. Have not had the Sagittae long enough to tell but they hold their own with the larger midas growouts.
 
I think most amphs are going to be really hard to keep long term in that size tank. Like said earlier have a divider on hand and be prepared to lose a female or two. I think lyonsi might be the exception.
 
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When it comes to personality its hard to beat the amphilophus family. Looked back at your original post and saw that that the bichirs could be moved and you were not opposed to a solo fish. With that in mind I think you are pretty open as to fish in the amphilophus family. Exceptions would be Chanco due to potential size. Trimac also get big... I dont think I would do a 15” fish in a 18” tank but some do.

Looking forward to seeing what you decide on a ‘wet pet’ for that tank.
 
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I've had many different types of Apmhs but never keep any Istanum, not sure what they max out at but definitely on my bucket list, here is a pic of one I found on google,,,

IMG_20200228_095658.jpg
 
Your best bet for something that size would be a pair of cichlids which are not likely to start beating each other up so you don't need to divide and get to about 12-13" max. Red Devils or similar in theory would be my choice but i suppose if the male go to 14" and the female 12" and you had to divide the tank up it might be a bit squashed for them. I certainly agree that Umbees and Dovii, even as singles would be too big if you want them in there premanently. Green Terrors (or Rivulatus) are another beauty and aren't usually too hard on each other, size wise they would be very comfortable. I also like Veija, not sure how they get on long term as pairs...?
 
Thank you guys for the suggestions. right now i'm leaning towards a piebald citrinellus but still considering one of the smaller parachromis like freddies or rtm's. Again I'm not opposed to a solo fish so if there was a solo central american with lots of personality out there that would do well in an 18" tank for life that's what I'm looking for. If it can be a pair in an 18" tank even better. If I can leave the bichirs in even better but those last two are not musts as I have room elsewhere or at least by the time it starts to become a problem. From the suggestions and my research it seems amph's are the best bet for size and personality.

My idea for this tank is that it's going to be in the living room. The fish is going to be in the middle of everything so I want one that's going to be able to handle the activity and thus personable. My other tanks are in other rooms and closed off.

Chiapet29 Chiapet29 i noticed the istanum on TUIC's stock list. After looking at some youtube videos and other pics they are definitely one of the most attractive of the amphs but couldn't find many adult photos. Since this is likely to be a solo fish in a 6 foot tank, it's going to have to be showy and personable. Thus my interest in the piebald citrinellus
 
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In addition to what the others have listed, consider a buttikoferi or polleni. Both really nice wet pets.

Also consider maskaheros argentea, another beautiful CA wet pet.
 
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