good loner cichlids

[alabaster]

What new world cichlids that grow to between 5" and 9" do well as a single fish in a tank?

 

[charmd2]

How big is the tank?

 

[alabaster]

I dont have a tank yet

obviously once I research and decide which cichlid to get, I'll buy an appropriately sized tank, then cycle it, then purchase the fish

i basically just want ideas on medium-large to large cichlids that are ok as loners

 

[Dwarfs]

Severums,green terrors, jack dempseys, most larger acaras, firemouths, and some geophagus species would fit yourpreferances

 

[juanveldez]

also depends on disposition that you are looking for

 

[alabaster]

what would you say are the least and most aggressive new-world cichlids that fit my criterion?

 

[sevs]

A severum would be the least aggressive cichlid that would fit your description, they reach about 8" (though sometimes larger) i'd say a 55g would be the bare minimum though I personally wouln't keep them in a solitary tank because they are a very personable fish and this personality is best seen when mixed with other robust fish.

 

[alabaster]

what cichlid is the most aggressive (besides convicts, which I understand should be kept in pairs)? Jack Dempseys?

 

[juanveldez]

a 55 gallon tank would be your best bet, as for fish you could get the doors are a bit more open with a tank that size, as you could get saxitilis group pikes which average 8-10 inches, Jack Dempseys and Green Terrors have already been mentioned, a couple sevs, blue acaras, some geos, basically you are going to be looking at a fish that doesn't get over 10"s

 

[alabaster]

Yeah, I was kind of thinking 55g. I want to get an active and intelligent species, and as it will be the only fish in the tank (besides possibly another of its kind).

CHECK OUT MY OTHER POST IN NEW WORLD CICHLIDS!

 

[Synirr]

I want to get an active and intelligent species, and as it will be the only fish in the tank (besides possibly another of its kind).

This suggestion doesn't fit your size criterion, but I just can't help myself... go for a midas!!
They get about 1' long, a big ol' fish, but they are SO full of personality. Or if you don't like the nuchal hump males develop, you could always go for an oscar . You'd need a 75 gallon to house either of these, though. Both are pretty aggressive as well, but the oscar less so.

As mentioned, an acara or JD would be another good bet.

 

[juanveldez]

lol if your going to suggest 75s I would say one of any of these

already mentioned were the oscar and midas, but not mentioned were the Trimac, Jag, a FEMALE festae, Amphilous Zalious( which are next on my personal list).

 

[freddyk]

Alabastar, seriously consider a 75 gallon tank, it's the same length as the 55 but the extra depth can be really helpful - it will allow you a decent sized fish with room to live and wander, while giving you room to add some rocks, bogwood, or whatever for some decoration.

The Oscar is still hands down the ultimate loner wet pet - very personable and curious, and a little wacky with their antics.

 

[Synirr]

Just as an added comment, my oscar and midas actually play with toys like rubber duckies and cork bobbers that I have in the tank, if that tells you anything about how intelligent they are...
My oscar loves to push his duckie around the tank with his "nose" and pull it underwater then let go and watch it spring back to the surface
Highly recommended as a loner fish