Setting up a New Cichlid Tank

[bobby_cham]

I just set up my new 55gal Cichlid Tank and I have a question. I didn't research that good before my first purchase. I purchased 3 "Red Fin" Barleyi (Copadichromis borleyi) last week and I am trying to decide what fish to purchase next. My question is what other cichlids could I mix with my "Red Fin". Plz help. . .

[tom]

Hi Bobby; Welcome to the forums.

I had a 125g species tank of these "borleyi" (which may or may not be true borleyi--see M. Oliver's notes (http://malawicichlids.com/mw01018.htm)) some time ago. Within a community setting, you've a wide range of tankmates to choose from, given their even temperament: Members of the <I> Placidochromis </I> genus (take a look at Overawed's gorgeous specimen (http://www.cichlidgallery.com/view_photo.php?set_albumName=Overaweds-Nyassa-Starrs&amp;id=bettleguise)) should make good companions as should most any of the <I> Aulonocara </I> species. You may also want to begin considering a larger tank for these fish, as they definitely need a generous amount of space.

[bobby_cham]

So it sounds like I need to take my fish back and purchase some new fish. . . Can someone plz suggest some cichlids that I can start with that don't get too big but are eye catching and fun to watch???

[jonah]

You can't go wrong with electric yellows, Labidochromis caeruleus. To me, they're the perfect Mbuna for a 55g. Fairly peaceful, and usually don't get too big. I've seen some that looked around 6-7 inches, but that was unusual. Most of the ones I've seen have been smaller. You could get rusties with them or some other smaller, peacefull fish.

If you want more aggressive fish, pretty much any other mbuna could be kept in a 55g, although I'd skip bumble bees, Maylandia crabros, because they get pretty big.