Hello all! I just recently purchased a 55g tank (48x21x13) from my LFS. It will be cycling during the holiday season. After it cycles I would like, to try to house 2 firemouth cichlids in the tank. However, I do not want babies, so I want to house either 2 males together or 2 females. Would 2 firemouths of the same gender fight or should I be ok? The tank mates will be most likely tiger barbs. Also, could I house 4-5 small african cichlids in with tiger barbs and firemouths? Thanks for any feedback!

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16g-2 guppies, 1 bolivian ram, 3 neon tetras,2 khulis
55g-1 red tail shark, 1 rubberlip plecos, 2 banjo cats,
2 silver dollars, 6 white clouds,

I've found firemouth's to be awesome fish and to be pretty darn peaceful for being a cichlid. BUT - they are a cichlid and will harass and/or try to eat anything that looks like it may be food. A tiger barb to a fully grown firemouth might just look like food.

Also two males together can have turf wars. 55 gallons should provide them with enough room to not bother each other too much. Two females would work.

You say you don't want babies and I hear you - but firemouths are such great parents and the babies are adorable. :D A male and a couple females could turn out to be an awesome experience when they start breeding. ;D

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I like big fish tanks and I can not lie. You other brothers can't deny.