Future Cichlid Tank??

Hello everyone!

I have a 55 gallon aquarium with one blood parrot cichlid. I've seen some beautiful aquariums with blood parrots and African cichlids together. I'd love to do this, even if it means getting a bigger tank. My problem is, my blood parrot is an absolute jerk to other fish, he's quite aggressive. We tried having him in our community aquarium, but he just chased all the fish everywhere and head butted them all, it was a disaster. He is such a cool fish, I call him a dog fish because he has a personality like a dog, he thinks he's human I swear lol! So I don't want to give him up, but I really want to add other cichlids. I guess what I'm asking is, has any one experienced this and ended up having it work out? What would be the best way to introduce other cichlids into the tank with him? Does this seem possible with such an aggressive fish? Any advice is appreciated!

 

Cutie foishe

 

Cutie foishe

Thank you!

 

Could one do ok in a 40 gal? What tankmates?

 

I could return it if needed, google says 30-42 gal minimum. Id provide many hides and live plants for cover

 

Could one do ok in a 40 gal? What tankmates?

40 gallon would be a bit small I think.. you may be able to get away with one single one and nothing else, they are quite large fully grown and need lots of room. As for tank mates, I'm trying to figure out the same lol. This is the first blood parrot I've owned, an one of the coolest fish with the biggest personalities I've owned as well, he's so worth it. I have heard that they are peaceful fish and get along with a variety of species, but mine is a jerk to every fish. The only fish he has ever gotten along with is a jewel cichlid. I wish I knew!

 

Ah ok