FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Hey everyone I just joined the forum since a friend of mine showed it to me and I must admit this is quite the well laid out place. anyway, I currently have a Jack Dempsey and a Blood Parrot (Parrot Cichlid, what ever you want to call it. please no lectures I didnt know it was such a controversial fish when I bought it and I have really grown to love the little guy.) they have lived together in a 20G tank now for about two month because they are quite small. I recently got a 55 gallon tank and since they will be moving to a larger area and it will be new, thus they will be less territorial, and I want to get another fish. I would prefer another cichlid but am unsure as to what to get. I really like the way the Malawi cichlids look and according to the "compatible fish" database on this site a few would be viable options. But i'm worried about size difference and other factors I may not be aware of. Does anyone have any ideas of a good tank mate for these two? Just so everyone knows; the Jack is very peaceful for his kind as he has been letting the parrot push him around so im not sure aggression is even an issue. Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance for any help.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but its a little naive to think that the Jack Dempsey and Parrot won't become aggressive when they mature, sorry but they will. That doesn't necessarily mean they won't get along but.... Anyway, a 50 gallon tank - 36"x15"x18"? - Suitable enough for them and possibly another 1 other medium sized cichlids, provided you don't get a pair of JDs or Parrots. How about a severum? Green and gold varieties are available and would contrast your parrot and JD. Other possibilities could be the Flag cichlid (although they can be quite timid) and/or Keyhole cichlid (again very peaceful)

Oh I'm aware they could very well become very aggressive all I was saying was that at the moment a new fish isnt likely to get his head bit off. Also just that if I introduce the new fish previous to the Jack establishing his territory I might be able to make the new addition as bloodless as possible. Thanks for the advice on a tank mate I'll take a look at them. Any other ideas people?

You definitely can't go with malawi cichlids, they have completely different water requirements and usually dietary requirements to the americans.

I'm not too well-versed in American cichlids myself, so I can't offer any alternate suggestions sorry!

The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. - Oscar Wilde

36"x15"x18"

My 55 gallon is 4'x21"x14"...

the compatibility on this site is only according to aggression

Gottcha on the no Malawi thats definitely a theme among replies so good thing I asked. Anyone familiar enough with American cichlids to give any idea on a viable option if one exists? I would like a 3rd but if thats not possible I would understand.