Recommend a cichlid to me

[dark_aLLeY]

maybe can try lots of shellies...

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/cookie_cutter_20g.php

 

[skinless]

yeah, go with some Africans.
Although I really enjoy the 4 mid-sized/aggressive new worlds in my 55, I wish I could just pack it full with mbuna sometimes.

 

[ramman]

Honestly, I would go with a couple breeding pairs of kribensis,,,here's why,,1) they can be kept with a couple small shoals of dither fish ie,,,cherry barbs,small tetras , thus giving your aquarium a nise look,,, 2) they will breed readily( if given some cave like structures) and its loads of fun to watch them protect their fry, which can be used to sell or trade to your lfs,,,,3) they are a fairly hardy fish that can adapt to a variety of water parameters.,,,,,,good luck on your decision !!

 

[lancerlot]

Convics, Fire Mouths, Blue Acara, Green Terror, Texas, Nicuraguens,

YOu could keep a pair or convics/blue acara in a 55 gallon, might even have room left for some fire mouths

 

[Scottfree]

I think everyone is getting ahead of themselves here, the one thing you pointed out is that you would like a cichlid or cichlids in a 55 for life. What else are you seeking? Do you want them to get fairly large? Do you want several speices, etc? Anything else you can add?

 

[tattoodaddy]

One Oscar....have a friend for a long time.

 

[searcyb]

no oscars, 55 gal is not enough of tank space for them, they need at least 75-100 gal of water... I would go with a mating pair of Lemon Jakes (see avitar) and some other smaller africans

 

[jsfunk78]

get variety of firemouth, electric blue dempsay, Green terror, Red head sererums

 

[sour_girl]

I like the EBJD idea.. they are so pretty.. Regular JDs, or go with a Texas they are so fun...

 

[SphericalCube]

If you really want some good info and input on what to put in your tank contact Jeff Rapps and Tangled up in cichlds. He has the largest selection of central and south american cichlids both large and small species. I would say 95% of my cichlids come from him and his fish are true to breed, no hybrids. I would stay with the less aggressive smaller species which usually works better in a smaller tank. You could even get some pairs and possibly even breed them. Good luck with you cichlid tank.

Tangled up in Cichlids
Phone: (908) 387-9858

How much did Rapps pay you for that ad? Nice. . . very nice. . .

I'd say go with some mixed mbunas if you want multiple fish. . . something like brichardi if you want to breed them. . . if you want something huge then you'll need a bigger tank eventually. . . it's all just up to you really. . . get on google and image search "cichlid" and just look at the pics until you find something you like.