Stocking a 55 gal. with African cichlids

Question
Hello Mr. Coleman. My questions are in regard to stocking a 55 gallon tank
with African cichlids. Naturally I am attracted to their vibrant colors and
interesting personalities, but due to their aggressive nature, I am unsure on
how to go about choosing compatible species. I know that the introduction of
fish to a tank should always be done gradually, so if I do introduce them a
few at a time, wont the older fish be territorial towards the newer fish? I also
know that simply keeping a larger group of them will help to divert the
attention of dominant males so that no one fish gets harassed unceasingly.
But is that even possible with the size of my tank? My final obstacle is that
the stores in my area do not use the scientific names of the species they
carry, so relying on the potentially misplaced names of their fish makes it
difficult to do more thorough research.  I really like the "peacock cichlid"
(usually wonderful shades of varying pinks, with black or dark splotches), but
it seems they are very aggressive, and keeping the necessary number would
not be likely given the size of my tank.   Do less aggressive, brightly colored
African cichlids exist or is "less aggressive cichlid" an oxymoron?  ;)  I would
be very grateful for any expertise you can provide. Thanks so much!  

Answer
Hi Melissa,
  You have identified one of the challenges of keeping African cichlids.  
There are not very many non-aggressive African cichlids.  

 If you like peacock cichlids, get one male and 5 females.  That will keep him busy and the females safe and happy.  Do not get another species of peacock and put it in that tank -- the males will fight.

  It is also important to have a lot of structure in the tank. Structure can be wood, rock, plants that break up the space and allow weaker fish a place to hide should they need it.  

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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