Relatively peaceful New World cichlids:
Mesonauta insignis (festivum), Aequidens pulcher (blue acara), Aequidens portalegrensis (port acara), Heros severus (severum), Cryptoheros sajica, Cichlasoma urophthalmus (Mayan cichlid), dwarf pike cichlids. There are others but those are my favorites.
Ideal catfish companions would include any of the talking or "raphael" cats (available in spotted, striped, or plain), hoplo cats or pretty much any catfish species you like that will grow to 7 or 8 inches. Raphaels and some hoplos will top out smaller, but being well protected by armor and/or spines will discourage any cichlids from harassing them. There are also piles of pleco species that would be compatible, if you're so inclined.