Alternative to Oscars?

as common as they are i would probably say convicts.
 
25 would be a little on the small side for convicts, but not horribly so, a 29 would do better for them. My personal experience has been that most if not all cichlids have very interesting personalities, the beatta suggestion was good as well, they have a lot of personality when you get them out of the 3 ounce bowls.

I am dying to own some rams, so if I had a 25, and nothing to put in it, I think I'd do a bunch of low tech plants and a pair of rams. JMO
dave
 
In response to Zoomie, I have to agree. My betta's in a 2 gallon and he's adorable - either begging for food or flaring to protect his nest. At night he curls up on the heater or on a plant and rests. I'd say 2 gallons was the least amount of water you could keep them in and enjoy their personalities. He's not as smart as a cichlid I think, but still more personable than platies or guppies.

I've also heard that paradise fish have a lot of personality and recognize their feeders. Also they're great looking fish. They're also crazy hardy. As soon as I get a tank, I'm planning on getting one.
 
Originally posted by parrotfish100
Parrot Cichlids are also very nice. They seem to greet you a lot, and have a lot of personality:D

I agree, Parrots rule. I have a 4in (cureently at lfs, see my other post) and he has tons of personalty he will always say hello and swim around my hand/arm when its in the tank but never seems to try to attack or bite me.

Be warned though, they can get massive 8-10in so maybe not the best idea in a small tank I think my 40g is on the limit
 
if you have room for a 20 you can give up one more inch and get a 30 I would have if I hadn't already had the 20 I have now. They are only and inch or so in length and I believe in depth and taller is where the added volume is.
 
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