Advice Please

[Cultasso]

How do

Im after a couple of Cichlids to go into my tank as showpiece fish, ive got a 55 gallon with currently

2 Rock Shrimps
1 Leopard Plec
2 Red Tail Loaches
3 Stebra Cory Cats

I would like middle top feeders if poss, and something that will not grow say over 20cm, brightly coloured would be nice too

any suggestions

 

[jollysue]

I'm not sure there are any Africans that could go in that tank. I'm afraid that the cories would be a nice snack. There are some nice New Worlds that would fit. Although I'm not familiar with the loach and plec adult sizes. A ram probably would meet your needs.

 

[Cheffi]

Hi and

Definately no Africans in that tank. They'd think they were in a topnotch restaurant.

 

[Ferris]

The only African cichlids that could work work with those tankmates are probably Kribensis, Mbuna etc are just too aggressive. Even with Kribs, i would be a little concerned for the cories and a better option IMO would be to look at some of the smaller New World cichlids like Rams and appistogramma.

 

[Cultasso]

cool

cheers for your help, ill have a look at some new worlds

 

[jollysue]

I was going to suggest an appistogramma colony, but they are bottom half of the tank.

 

[Ferris]

Good point Sue, i was forgetting that part of the request. You'll struggle to find any cichlids that occupy the top part of the tank consistently.

Check out Golden Panchax, they are not cichlids but are lovely looking fish that permanently reside near the surface.

 

[jollysue]

Don't Rams swim midlevel? I've never had them, but those who have speak well. But you are right about finding a mid to upper level good natured cichlid. But I wouldn't part with my apistos.

 

[jayjay]

Middle new world cichlids, angel fish, the most obvious.

 

[jollysue]

Oh? Are angels a cichlid? haha I didn't know that.

 

[jayjay]

You worry me sometimes

 

[jollysue]

Just pray for me. I'm old.