I would do a pair of apistogramma or other dwarf SA Cichlid (Laetacara curviceps maybe), maybe 8 Cory cats of the same species, and a dozen small tetras. That would be a fully stocked 20 gallon long, would be biotope correct (depending on species of course and how specific you want your biotope to be), and they could live in the tank for life IMO.