55g Wet Pet - Which Cichlid?

[holidayinn]

I have a 4foot tank which will soon be empty. I’d like to use it as a wet-pet tank. I’m thinking of a gold saum, maybe introduce 3 or 4 juvi's and find a pair for the tank or just get one Gold Saum as a solo occupant. Any thoughts?

Also, which cichlid as a wet pet would you choose for a 55g tank? Width of the tank is 48”, length 15” and height 18”.

Cheers.

 

[minxfishy]

Yep my choice would be a GT.

 

[england]

Hi i would go for something different, not from this part but polleni

from this side i would entertain something like, eartheater's for peaceful or rainbow cichlid's with dither's or something like salvini a pair and maybe a pair of convict's, for something abit more aggressive

or a nice pair of chocolate cichlid's

 

[holidayinn]

Thanks for your advice. A GT has always been a fish that I'd dearly like to own, but I have heard the term Polleni a couple of times, I'll have to do some research into this, thanks for a different option Nelly.

Thing is, I have a new-ish 150 gallon tank which currently has the stocking 8 (3-4") Clown Loaches, 2 (2") Geophagus 'Red Heads' Tapajos, 1 (7") male EBJD, 1 (3") Red Spotted Severum. I am still debating what other cichlids to put into this tank!! I was thinking chocolate cichlid, vieja argentea or regani as the biggest fish in the tank. Really fallen for Vieja Argentea.

A pair of salvini sounds good for the 55. I know that every cichlid varies in temperament on an individual basis, but was primarily looking for personality and interactiveness, something not too far away from a glass banger lol

 

[shroob]

Red devil/midas would probably be your best bet for the 'wet pet' interactivity (though males might get too big for the tank, its down to personal opinion - you're tanks wider than the standard 12" of a 55 gallon, though its borderline, a female would be a better option).

A texas cichlid might also be an option you might consider.

 

[holidayinn]

Cheers Shroob...I did at one time a long time ago have an oscar in the 55. He always used to be able to turn with ease, but at full size the tank was probably a tad too small for him and I felt kinda bad. I guess a female Midas/Red devil would be a good option, but would they have the same interactiveness/personality/aggression of a male?

I was thinking of a texas escondido (spelling!!). I originally thought a GT, as they grow to about 8", I'd be able to get a pair. Having read around a bit, I've found out that the male GT could easily kill the female GT, would this be something I'd have to be worried about?

 

[River Dog]

I would go for a pair of Carpinte 'Escondido' in there. I have some growing out in a 55G and they are awesome fish. While breeding they have the "glass banging" attitude you are after, plus you have the added bonus of being able to breed a fairly hard to find pair of Cichlids.

Look at the potential mine is showing at only 3inches.

 

[holidayinn]

Cheers River Dog, never seen one in real life but these escondido's look similar maybe better then EBJD's, stunning!! Anyone know a good site/location for cichlid profile's?

 

[River Dog]

I will try and get you some better photo's if you are interested. If you get a chance have a look at Aquamojo's fish, he is a leading American Cichlid expert, and a brilliant photgrapher too. I am not too sure whether I am allowed to link to other forums on here, but if you google Aquamojo and Cichlid profiles, there's loads of stuff out there.

 

[dood]

You could add a male zz flowerhorn.Lots of attitude ,friendly to his owner most times,but you would not be able to add another fish later.My largest male[7"]has temper tantrums every now and then.throwing stones ,knocking over ornaments,shaking,it is quite funny.When it's dinner time he will eat right out of my hand

 

[Sheilaf]

I really like the escondido but have never had one. I have had several male GT's and as far as personality goes, they have always been right up there with my Oscar for that. And if you are looking for something with looks you certainly can't go wrong with a GT. A full grown male would be a definite show fish!

 

[holidayinn]

This Aquamojo person does indeed take stunning pics!! I'll have to do a bit of research on Escondido's, max size etc, I think they're probably hard to get, I have a mate who likes to get rare CA cichlids, i'll give him a shout.

In terms of flowerhorns, what does ZZ stand for? I think they get over 12" don't they?

Cheers Sheila, i'm ever increasingly moving towards a GT for the 55.