new 40g tank

[randplaty]

I am completely new to this hobby, but some of my friends have had cichlids so I wanted to try. I got a 40 gallon tank recently and I want to put some cool fish in it. Could any of these work with my 40 gallon tank?

Convict
Green Terror
Firemouth
Jack Dempsey
Texas

Are these fish difficult to keep for a beginner? Are there any other cichlids that have cool colors and markings that you would recommend?

[SGypsyMermaid]

since all of the cichlids that you've mentioned are american, i would suggest that you check with the folks in the american forums.:
http://cichlidforums.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=13