Cichlid pair ideas

[duanes]

I'm a bit more conservative than most about what I would put in a 75 long term.
I go by the rule, for every inch of adult cichlid, a minimum of 10 gallons is required.
So in a 75 gal no cichlid that grows larger the 7.5".
For me......This eliminates, the Andinoacara (GT) clade, Rocio (JDs) and even some Thorichthys (I've seen 10+" FMs).
I've seen all of the above hit 10", but a 75 would work as a temporary grow out.
Many of the Amatitlania, Ctyptoheros, Panamaeus, or Herotilpia would work though, in my opinion as pairs in a 75.

Cryptoheros rytteri left...................Amatitlania myrnae, middle............................Panameus panamense right
Below left Herotilapia multispinissa..........Middle Amatitlania nanoluteus..............right, Amatitlania sp Honduran Red point

And with all the above, large wild type and geographically correct swordtails. would be my choice of dither fish (at least temporarily .

as would some of the geographically correct Central American Gambusia or large Poecilia species
y

 

[Cal Amari]

I like the firemouth colony idea, I've actually been thinking for months that my next tank will be a firemouth colony, though I'm likely several years from starting one.

 

[Hybridfish7]

I like the firemouth colony idea, I've actually been thinking for months that my next tank will be a firemouth colony, though I'm likely several years from starting one.

Why not? Wetspot has a pretty good variety of thorichthys in right now. Remember, true firemouths like warm calm water, the blue sparkly ones like cooler water with a bit of movement and higher oxygen.

 

[Cal Amari]

I'm a one tank hobbyist for now and am loving my current setup. I'm on here to live vicariously through everyone elses tanks.

 

[HUKIT]

I’d personally look into Cribroheros such as longimanus or alfari for starters.

 

[Joshuakahan]

Thanks for the suggestions! Some of these were very tempting, but not tempting enough to sway me from mbuna lol. I’m glad I have this thread for reference for when I get another tank though, i definitely want to do something like this.