Small to Medium SA/CA Cichlid species

[MonsterFishCreeper]

Hey guys looking for some ideas for stocking a 36x12 planted tank (30 long). I'm looking for a single fish or a pair possibly even a trio of smaller growing species that are not apisto's or rams. I'm thinking 3-5 inch fish here.

So far I've thought of

Sajica pair
HRP pair
Jewel pair (I know they are west african)

I need some ideas here for a cool stocking! Please list any and all species that come to mind. My tank is almost cycled and ready for fish!

 

[xraycer]

I really like sajicas, but another option are rainbow cichlids H. Multispinosas

 

[duanes]

I believe sajicas get too large for a 30 gal, as a trio or pair, the size of the tank would probably prompt the dominant individual to off the other. Maybe if you had all females, but males get quite hefty. I had a hard time with a pair in a 45 gal

Your idea of HRPs would be much less space troublesome in that size tank, as would Cryptoheros nanoluteus.

HRP

 

[duanes]

I believe sajicas get too large for a 30 gal, as a trio or pair, the size of the tank would probably prompt the dominant individual to off the other. Maybe if you had all females, but males get quite hefty. I had a hard time with a pair in a 45 gal

Your idea of HRPs would be much less space troublesome in that size tank, as would Cryptoheros nanoluteus.

HRP

 

[duanes]

sorry, double post

 

[adamsfishes]

Take a look at Laetacara species. The dorsigera (red breast acara) is very beautiful.

 

[darth pike]

Take a look at Laetacara species. The dorsigera (red breast acara) is very beautiful.

I was going to suggest Laetacara as well. L. curviceps, L. doisigera, and L. araguaiae are all great looking. Here's a pic of my L. araguaiae I used to have:

 

[adamsfishes]

Nice looking araguaiae darth. I like these fish a lot.

FYI, I've heard the thayeri get bigger and are more aggressive than the other species in the genus.

 

[jonclark96]

I agree with Duane on the sajicas. My experience is that they are pretty rough on one another, even at a young age. Nanoluteus would be a better suggestion, as well as the rainbows.

 

[MonsterFishCreeper]

I appreciate the response and insight. If anyone has more suggestions I love to see them all. The medium sized cichlids seemed over looked in some regards compared to dwarf and large cichlids.