Most of those fish recommended in that first post grow too large for a 55, in my opinion. Certainly not a large enough tank for 3 severums long-term, for example.
Tank size can be an opinionated issue, but even those with a more liberal idea of tank size can usually see that a fish which can easily reach 12" (carpintis, mota, etc) would not be comfortable in a tank which has only 12" width.
Personally Wouldn't go bigger than about 8" long term in a 55. Fish which have the ability to grow larger, like a Jack Dempsey, might not grow as large in a smaller tank, but that is not a very good way to keep these fish.
There are some smaller cichlids which would go nicely in a 55 gallon and still be interactive. Sajica, Convicts, Blue acaras would be a few examples (not all together, individually or with pair or small group)
Tank size can be an opinionated issue, but even those with a more liberal idea of tank size can usually see that a fish which can easily reach 12" (carpintis, mota, etc) would not be comfortable in a tank which has only 12" width.
Personally Wouldn't go bigger than about 8" long term in a 55. Fish which have the ability to grow larger, like a Jack Dempsey, might not grow as large in a smaller tank, but that is not a very good way to keep these fish.
There are some smaller cichlids which would go nicely in a 55 gallon and still be interactive. Sajica, Convicts, Blue acaras would be a few examples (not all together, individually or with pair or small group)
