Hello from Pennsylvania!

[chellzy]

Hi everyone! I currently have a small (10 gallon) community tank, but we found a 55 gallon for a steal. Currently trying to decide what I want to do with it-It sits in a niche near our front door, so I want it to be striking. Seriously considering a cichlid tank, and dwarf cichlids were suggested. Here to get ideas and more information .

 

[Joe Gatchell]

Welcome to the forum. Plenty of good info here whether you decide on apistos or some other dwarf. Check out west african species, my fav.

 

[Josh]

Welcome to the forum! Thanks for joining!

 

[chellzy]

Thanks! I was told that African cichlids won't like my tank so much-it's 30"Lx18"Wx24"D. South Americans were suggested to me. I'm starting to think this tank shape, while perfect for my house (small house with 4 kids in it!), it's going to be a pain to stock with happy fish.

 

[Joe Gatchell]

Well there is definitely a difference between the african river dwarf cichlids and what most people think of when they hear "African Cichlid", which is typically the lake cichlids. Look up dwarf species, Pelvicachromis, Nanochromis, and the like. Lots of great dwarf species that will work in a variety of tank sizes.

Allow me to pique your interest with a link to Ted Judy's Pelvicachromis species photo gallery...
http://tedsfishroom.com/gallery/genus-pelvicachromis/

 

[chellzy]

Heh, Thanks Joe! I didn't realize there were dwarf Africans, silly me! My son would love it if we would do Africans, they are his favorites .

 

[Joe Gatchell]

Heh, Thanks Joe! I didn't realize there were dwarf Africans, silly me! My son would love it if we would do Africans, they are his favorites .

Yep, probably the most recognizable and easiest to obtain are tank strain kribs. Also called kribensis and pelvicachromis pulcher. Though you'll see a ton of beautiful species on that link I put up.

 

[chellzy]

They are beautiful! I'll be showing them to my husband when it comes time to choose fish. I'm not sure how I'm going to decide.