looking for a good cichlid for a 29 gallon.

[Finster]

Hi everyone. I've been away from fish keeping for a few years now. I've been keeping turtles, but that's another story. I used to have an Oscar in a 55 gallon tank that I really enjoyed. What I would like is some recommendations for a miniature version of an Oscar. Something that would work in a 29 gallon but have the same kind of personality as an Oscar. It would be alone in the tank possibly planted with a few tough plants on driftwood and rocks. Maybe a small school of Cories to keep things a little more tidy. Is there such a fish?

Thanks.
Joe

 

[tanker]

I have never found another fish like an Oscar. An Oscar is like a little puppy, an underwater puppy.

 

[Finster]

Yeah. I guess I can't really expect That extent of personality from another fish. I guess the real question is: How close can I get in a cichlid that would be good for a 29 gallon?

 

[ktrom13]

Actually there are a few cichlids that can thrive in 29gallons. Bolivian rams, apistos, german blue ram, kribensis, and some other that i cant think of at the moment

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[tanker]

Actually there are a few cichlids that can thrive in 29gallons. Bolivian rams, apistos, german blue ram, kribensis, and some other that i cant think of at the moment

None of those has the personality of an Oscar.

 

[Finster]

Too small also. I would like something that would fit my 29 gallon like my Oscar used to fit my 55. Well maybe the way a full grown Oscar would fit a 75 gallon. The 55 was too narrow for Jaws. (the Oscar)

Two that I think may work size wise, are Firemouths or Convicts. Anyone have experience with either? How personable are they? Other suggestions?

Thanks

 

[tanker]

I have had both many/many years ago. I use to love my Firemouths. Really beautiful and bred very easily. The ones I use to have are much more colorful then the ones for sale now. Too much in-breeding maybe??

Convict are just breeding machines. Keep them in a heated bucket and they will breed!!! I had more then I could give away.

 

[jasonfishaddict]

Not much personality as far as interacting with you, not like an Oscar. Cichlids in general have interesting behaviors so don't rule out a group of GBRS or Bolivian Rams.


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[OrionGirl]

Go saltwater and get an angler.

 

[Finster]

Not much personality as far as interacting with you, not like an Oscar. Cichlids in general have interesting behaviors so don't rule out a group of GBRS or Bolivian Rams.


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Never had any luck with Rams or really any of the small cichlids. I am looking for a single specimen "pet" fish for this tank, though, when my hatchling turtles outgrow it. Firemouth seems so far to be the front runner, although, I might try something like a Blue Acara or even a Jack Dempsey. If they get too big for my comfort as a keeper, I could possibly put them in a large tank with turtles. Not my first choice though. I would rather find the best fit for the 29 to start with.