help me stock my 55 gallon. suggestions please

[gurlgotkat2000]

So i would like help stocking my 55 gallon.
rules:
fish must not grow larger than 6 inches
they must not be a herbervoire but omnivoires are okay as long as are leaning more toward the carnivoire side
i plan to keep plants
if it is related to convicts i plan to only get females

right now :
my tank has one female convict ( <33333) syndontius catfish and dither fish

I don't know that many uncommon cichlid species so feel free to make suggestions. i really liked the personality of my female convict though.

some fish i may try to add:

sajica cichlid <----really want this fish (does anyone know if a male sajica will try to breed with a female convict)
cutteri cichlid
odd colored convicts
darters
sunfish

also if you know if a pair can be safety kept by the species you suggest please state so also

i also may try to fish for natives so suggest compatiable natives


some fish that are available in my area from Skoolz of fish. note this is only a listing from one store:


Cupid Cichlid- $10
Apistogramma Borelli- $6
Apistogramma Agasizzi (MALES ONLY)- $10
Curvicep Cichlid- $6
Bolivian Ram- $6
Blue Ram- $5
Long Fin Blue Ram- $6
German Blue Ram- $6
Veija Synsipilum 3- $10
Geophagus Jurapari - $8
Geophagus Balzani- $8
Acaricthys Geayi- $10
Firemouth Cichlid- $4
Electric Blue Jack Dempsey 1.5-2”- $20
Festivum- $6
German Blue Rams- sold out
Small Dovii- $5
Jaguar Cichlid- $5
Green Texas Cichlid- $5
Large Texas Cichlid- $20

thanks

 

[cacichlids]

darters and sunfish are native to north america and prefer cooler water than most cichlids. That's the only reason that has kept me from getting both :/. They look pretty cool and I know a farm here in florida that sells many varieties.

These 4 are def. a big no no:

Small Dovii- $5
Jaguar Cichlid- $5
Green Texas Cichlid- $5
Large Texas Cichlid- $20

-------------------

For a planted 55 gal community I'd def go with different kinds of apistogramma and rams, and schooling fish like barbs and bigger tetras.

 

[Aqualoon]

Try to find a Salvini, they stay small (under 6" or so) and have amazing color.

 

[cacichlids]

^ Male salvini can grow to 8-10". But if they are willing to make an exception that'd be my choice as well!

 

[cmj15]

rams would be good along with firemouths, they are one of my favorite cichlids for easy going temperment and looks, they stay under 6" as well

 

[gurlgotkat2000]

wait do female salvini stay at 6 inches and are they easily sexable? and are how tolerant are apistogramma to aggression? will they be okay as long as there are places to hide?

 

[Yellow_Perch]

female salvini, calico convicts, giant danios, firemouths, rams, etc

 

[cmj15]

some of the apistos can be fairly aggressive for their size and depending on the temperment of your female convict they should be alright especially if given enough hiding spots

 

[gurlgotkat2000]

thanks

 

[cacichlids]

wait do female salvini stay at 6 inches and are they easily sexable? and are how tolerant are apistogramma to aggression? will they be okay as long as there are places to hide?

Females have a dark spot on their dorsal fin, even at 1 inch

males don't. females also tend to be more colorful and smaller, so if you look at a tank with a batch of juveniles, you will probably be able to spot the females relatively easy.