Beginner Dwarf Cichlids

I was looking to buy my friend a dwarf cichlid for his bday, but he is a beginner fish keeper. I would really like to get him one but I am afraid of it dying due to inexperience. It would be for a 20 gallon long tank with guppies, mollys, and platys. If you think it’s too risky to do a dwarf cichlid, I’m open to other suggestions.

 

bolivam ram

 

Do a pair of these

Dwarf flag cichlid
Bolivian rams
Keyhole cichlids
GBR would NOT be good because are picky

A trio of apistos would also be good.

 

Try a pair of apistos, or rams. Only thing picky about GBR is temp.

Also look at curviceps.

Also keyholes get a bit too large for a 20 long

 

Since those are all Livebearers you should make sure that the tank has room for more fish?

 

thanks i’ll look into some apistos. I feel like a GBR would be a little to advanced for him, I have one myself and he is a little more work. I asked him about bolivian rams and he said he wanted something more colorful, so I think I might end up getting him an apisto unless you guys have any more suggestions... I almost got an apisto once but I ended up getting a GBR, so any tips on care for them would be great. I also want to get my friend a heater since his tank is around 75 F without one and he wants to bring it up.

 

Also keyholes get a bit too large for a 20 long

True, forgot that it was a 20. A singular key would be ok tho.......right?

 

True, forgot that it was a 20. A singular key would be ok tho.......right?

Should be ok as a juvie, single breeding pair is definitely ok but as it grows up it should be moved to a tank usually at least 36" long