New cichlid tank

Well, you've got to make some decisions, too. For example, do you want a relatively peaceful cichlid environment, what size fish, all-male---which can prevent mating and spawning territorial behavior, particular shapes or colors. Cichlids encompass a very wide spectrum of the piscine family. In a 55g, you're kind of limited as to size since it has a relatively narrow width, disallowing larger fish who need turning room. Also, if you want, say, a pair of convicts because you want to try breeding, they will rule the tank while spawning. You may be able to have a few dithers in there, too, but that's about it. So give us some ideas of your likes/dislikes (mebbe you just don't like smaller fish); do a little research on species here, malawimayhem.com, cichlidforum.com, etc., to get an idea of what's available. And have fun. . .

They can be mixed, but it's usually avoided. One of the key issues is the pH requirements of the fish; in many cases, the conditions aren't compatible. Thre may also be aggression mismatches (but that's also possible even if you don't mix different continents).

I don't know Africans, but there are lots of colorful New World cichlids. Given your tank size, and your apparent desire for more than one fish, you can't go too big. Smallish fish would be rainbows (usually yellow and black with another orange-red morph around), honduran red points (blue), spinosissimus (purple and black), firemouth, female nic (yellow with some orange and some blue around the head area), nanoluteus (yellow and black), sajica (gold, blue, purple), panamensis (reddish), rams, apistos.

CoreyMac said:

I would like more than one fish, yes. Up to 4 fish. How do I tell which cichlids are in the "Assorted Cichlid" tank at Petsmart / Petco? I would take a book with photos, but my library doesn't have one. Those stores mentioned don't have them either. I am reading that my tank is okay for a JD, and that it is NOT ok for a JD. What's your take on it?

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All the "assorted cichlids" are likely to be Africans. JD could be marginal for the 55g once it's full grown. Female would be ok; a really large male could feel a little cramped. That one's really a judgement call, which accounts for the different opinions.

i second the convicts, or maybe sajicas, the convicts cousin, they are easy breeders and have veery colorful personalitys on top of that only get aobut 6 inches which allow for my stocking possibilities.

I would like more than one fish, yes. Up to 4 fish.

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if you're only interested in keeping a 'few' cichlids, do NOT get african cichlids. these species you've must be maintain in groups of 4-5 .. one male + 3-4 females of the same species. a 55 gallon tank of malawi cichlids might hold two groups of 5 cichlids representing two different species, or three groups of four cichlids representing three different species. then you need lots of rocks ... with at least one cave for each fish in the tank. finally, understand that these fish are 'algae scrapers' and will spend a great deal of time perusing the rocks for algae .. "IF" you've got algae for them to feed on.

in my opinion, it's not generally a good idea to mix malawi african cichlids with new world cichlids. while many new world cichlid species will be fine with the chemistry required for Africans, the dietary requirements are quite different. the latter are almost obligate vegetarians and will succumb to intestinal bloat if fed the higher protein diet required by the majority of new world cichlids.

liv2padl said:

in my opinion, it's not generally a good idea to mix malawi african cichlids with new world cichlids. while many new world cichlid species will be fine with the chemistry required for Africans, the dietary requirements are quite different. the latter are almost obligate vegetarians and will succumb to intestinal bloat if fed the higher protein diet required by the majority of new world cichlids.

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Good point - I forgot about the dietary differences! :thm: