"Wet Pet" for 33 US Gallon Tank?

[Synthwave]

I'm looking for a SA/Central Cichlid that'll grow to a reasonable size and be responsive to me being around - I've kept smaller fish/dither fish and Convicts in the past and would love a single, intelligent Cichlid for my tank. So far I've seen:
-Herichthys carpintis/Green Texas Cichlid/Pearlscale Cichlid (Looking at some of the Cichlid profiles in the sticky I could keep one however other places disagree, would love some opinions)
-Blood Parrot Cichlid (Again seen in the Profile thread, 30 Gallons minimum stated there)
-Electric Blue Jack Dempsey (Probably TOO big.)

Mostly I would love to hear some suggestions.

 

[PYRU]

I would say a convict or firemouth type would be the best fit. I wouldn't consider them interactive like a amph etc though.

 

[Covetous]

I think a Carpintis would be too large for the 33 they are tall bodied and would be kinda sad looking full grown in that tank.

Blood parrot, is not quite as big as a Carpintis so maybe. But in my opinion still too big. Also, IMO ugly as sin.

With the 4ft footprint you could do a pair of Sajica. They are beautiful and have great personalities. Much like a convict but prettier.
Or a harem of Herotilapia multispinosa also beautiful.

Also, you could plant the tank and do apistogramma that would be really cool too.

Honestly I think a lone EBJD would be ok since they have a leaner build and get more like torpedos. However, I don’t think that would give you the personality you want. It’s a gamble some do, and some are super shy.

If your determined to do a single bruiser. My personal guidelines would be to stick with a fish that has a shorter profile, instead of a tall bodied. And something that doesn’t get any bigger then 8 inches, and honestly even that is pushing it for a 12 wide tank. I feel like those tanks are mainly meant for planting and live bearers. The shallow depth being easily accessible to light.

Good luck finding what you want, I hope this opinion is helpful.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Does it have to be a cichlid?
One of the smaller freshwater puffers could give you the pet like interaction your looking for.
Otherwise I agree with the last 2 posts.

 

[Covetous]

cryptoheros panamensis. Would be awesome too.

(Not my fish or picture)

 

[Synthwave]

I think a Carpintis would be too large for the 33 they are tall bodied and would be kinda sad looking full grown in that tank.

Blood parrot, is not quite as big as a Carpintis so maybe. But in my opinion still too big. Also, IMO ugly as sin.

With the 4ft footprint you could do a pair of Sajica. They are beautiful and have great personalities. Much like a convict but prettier.
Or a harem of Herotilapia multispinosa also beautiful.

Also, you could plant the tank and do apistogramma that would be really cool too.

Honestly I think a lone EBJD would be ok since they have a leaner build and get more like torpedos. However, I don’t think that would give you the personality you want. It’s a gamble some do, and some are super shy.

If your determined to do a single bruiser. My personal guidelines would be to stick with a fish that has a shorter profile, instead of a tall bodied. And something that doesn’t get any bigger then 8 inches, and honestly even that is pushing it for a 12 wide tank. I feel like those tanks are mainly meant for planting and live bearers. The shallow depth being easily accessible to light.

Good luck finding what you want, I hope this opinion is helpful.

Very informative, thank you. I may try to visit a LFS sometime to try to interact with some EBJD and gauge their response. I think my tank is 31.5" width/13.7" Depth/20" Height.

Does it have to be a cichlid?
One of the smaller freshwater puffers could give you the pet like interaction your looking for.
Otherwise I agree with the last 2 posts.

Doesn't particularly have to be one, I just like the general shape and aesthetic of cichlids.

cryptoheros panamensis. Would be awesome too.
View attachment 1285941
(Not my fish or picture)

I like the colours. I don't think I've ever seen one in my LFS, may have to ask.

I would say a convict or firemouth type would be the best fit. I wouldn't consider them interactive like a amph etc though.

Shame about the Firemouths. Really pretty fish.

 

[Covetous]

The majority of the rare-er cryptoheros you’ll have to order. I don’t see many in LFS although I find Sajica’s every once in a while

 

[PhishMon84]

Those dimensions sound like a 29 not a 33-

 

[Gourami Swami]

The dimensions you describe are a 29 gallon. A 33 is 48" long and only 12" tall.
In a 29 you are pretty much limited to cryptoheros or thoricthys species. An ebjd will outgrow that tank. Sajica is probably your best bet, very interactive and top out at 5-6"

 

[Synthwave]

Those dimensions sound like a 29 not a 33-

The dimensions you describe are a 29 gallon. A 33 is 48" long and only 12" tall.
In a 29 you are pretty much limited to cryptoheros or thoricthys species. An ebjd will outgrow that tank. Sajica is probably your best bet, very interactive and top out at 5-6"

I'm sorry, is 125l = 33 US Gallons? Maybe my measurements were off, but my specific tank is the Roma 125l. I'm not the best at measuring so you might have to forgive me on this one.