Please help me find a personable fish that’ll live with ancistrus and plants

[twentyleagues]

I think the issue will be exactly the parameters you are looking for. A lot of the personable cichlids are that way because they are aggressive. They are not afraid of you. And also larger cichlids are not usually good with plants. An Oscar may leave the ancistrus alone I have had them together in the past.
That said the foot print of the tank allows for a good amount of larger wet pets. Oscars were the first thoughts I had. Or a flowerhorn I dislike the way they look but some of the best wet petting I've seen in videos. Most large cichlids will move stuff in the tank dig holes and generally do whatever they want when they get bored.

 

[Galantspeedz]

how about blood parrots, a group of them will be nice... they look cute and are personable.... breeding possibility is almost 0 too

 

[Reubiedoo]

Thanks all! Appreciate the replies. I think some are confusing personality for personable; I’m definitely looking for personable fish, not characterful fish!

I am aware that most cichlids like to rearrange the decor; I have discovered a number of ways people have overcome this. The only thing that can’t be overcome is shredding of foliage.

I’m thinking a community of mid size fish with intelligence might be my best option; acaras first and foremost, maybe heros, a large gourami etc. Just worry about potential aggression still, but I like learning and discovering, so as long as the kids aren’t traumatised...lol.