Need a crash course in cichlids... or maybe just a few suggestions.

[Oreo]

I recently purchased a 110gal tall (48"x18"x30") tank & have been researching all the cool options I now have. I'm planning an artificial rock wall, & some live plants. I'm also considering my stocking options, which brings me to my point...

I don't know anything about cichlids but they're the most colorfull FW fish I've seen. So I'm thinking of getting one or two for my new tank but I'm concerned about how they'll get along with they're tank-mates. I currently own- and thus will be moving into the new tank- a black ghost knife, a columbian shark catfish, a 6" long goldfish, a patriot crab, and a couple other fish I can't remember the name of.

I'd like to get some suggestions of either specific species that would work well, or perhaps a general class of cichlids that would work. Friendly temperment & good color would be my priorities.

Thanks guys!!

 

[Oreo]

I was just doing some research & thought I'd narrow the scope of my question a little...

So far, I really like the looks of the African Cichlids, & the Discus. I'd prefer something that will get above 4" long.

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

The problem is the fish you currently have do present some difficulties matching perfectly with cichlids. The goldfish is not compatible at all, not being a tropical species, and the Colombian shark is a brackish water/marine fish. If you do go brackish, I'd look into the chromides (Etroplus sp.) which are very underappreciated fish for brackish tanks. If you find a home for these fish, then look into a Tanganyikan tank

 

[ikevi]

As stated with either of the two types of fish you are looking into, you really can't mix them very well with other types. (IE the fish you already have.) I would say stay away from discus at this point, ie wait till you have a little more experience with fish, since they are quite exspensive and need some of the most amount of care to keep healthy.

Most africans are great fish to keep, but again you need to plan before buying. Else you will likely be buying some more tanks much sooner than you expect. (IE your cheap fish will start beating up your exspensive fish.) And still you really can't mix them that well, so you should really take a look at the lakes and figure out what type of look you like best. (And how much money you are willing to spend.) I would also say stay away from the Tropheus.

Here is a good place to start when looking at what these fish look like. (Note in general stick with lakes together, and it is best to not mix mbuna with peacocks/haps.)

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/african_cichlid_genus_gallery.php

Good luck on figuring out what you want to do. (And you likely already see why so many of us get multiple tank syndrome...)