Stocking Cichlid Ideas - 40 Gallon

Hello I have just set up my 40 gallon fish tank(32x16x18). I have decided to go for cichlids but I live in Peru so we don't have much access to large varieties of cichlids. African Cichlids here are too expensive and hard to find.
That's why I decided to go with American cichlids.

I have thought of 4 different species to do a species only tank

-Kribensis (I know it's african btw)
-Convict Cichlid
-Firemouth Cichlid
-Apistogrammas

I would really apreciate if you could help me choosing which of them I should choose and if I did how many of them I could keep.

 

In that size tank, you may be able to do a harem of apistogramma - 1 male with 2-3 females (borellii, cacatuoides, hongsloi, agazzisi) whichever you like best (just pick 1 type).

 

Thank you! I think it's a really good idea.

Follow-up question: if they were to breed could I maybe keep a couple of the fry or would it be too overstocked?

 

I wouldn't put a convict in a 40g. Too territorial and aggressive

 

Convicts are fine in a 40 gal, and a pair would be fine as well. However, they breed like rabbits and they can be hard to find homes for their fry as they're so common. Keeping their fry would overstock the tank.

You could keep a few of the Apisto fry if you added lots of decor and caves. The males may still fight though, so it'd be safer not to keep their fry in that tank.

 

Convicts are fine in a 40 gal, and a pair would be fine as well. However, they breed like rabbits and they can be hard to find homes for their fry as they're so common. Keeping their fry would overstock the tank.

You could keep a few of the Apisto fry if you added lots of decor and caves. The males may still fight though, so it'd be safer not to keep their fry in that tank.

the breeding is what I'm referring to. die to the fact they breed do much, they will tend to be aggressive and territorial over their young. Making it an unsuitable environment for smaller peaceful fish. If you aren't going to have a pair, aI'm for a female. They are much much more tolerable of tankmates. I have one myself and she's very nice. Males who are alpha, will become a maniac in a 40g.

 

In a species only tank, a pair is fine in a 40 gal. OP made no mention of stocking with other fish.

 

Thank you! I think it's a really good idea.

Follow-up question: if they were to breed could I maybe keep a couple of the fry or would it be too overstocked?

If the apistos were to breed, you could certainly keep some of the fry for a little while (let the parents raise them). Eventually, once they neared maturation, they'd need to be removed.

 

Thank you so much! I think i`ll go for a pair of apistogrammas or a pair of convicts. I have a friend in my local fish store who is willing to accept any of the fry so that's not a problem.
I really appreciate the suggestions