The problem with recommending African Cichlids for a tank of those dimensions is, as modernhamlet, stated is the foot print. I don't usually make much of a distinction between two tanks that are 1/2 sq. foot apart, but in this case the extra 6" really means a lot to the fish. 2.5 sq. ft. limits you to just a very few mbuna. I'd dare say even the smallest will find it cramped in a 29g tank. There are other "miniature" cichlids from Tanganyika such as Neolamprologus multifasciatus, Lamprologus caudopunctatus, Eretmodus sp. that would work, but the problem is, these are specialist fish, have specific needs, may not even be readily available, or may not appeal to "your friend." There certainly are other non African cichlids that will work in this size tank, i.e. blue rams, bolivian rams, cockatoo dwarf cichlid.