redtailed shark and african cichlid compatibility?

Question
Hello. I have an aquarium with a red-tailed shark, 3 clown loaches, and 2 synodontis eupterus cats. i am considering adding about 4 or 5 african cichlids to this aquarium (adding about 2 for now). my problem is, i am not sure if the red tailed shark will survive 4 african cichlids. are there any types that would be good for adding to this aquarium?

what types of cichlids should i consider getting if so? i was thinking of getting peacocks and haps. how would that work?

any advice would be great. thanks.

Answer
Hi Steve,
 Success will largely depend on how large your tank is. If it is less than 40 or 50 gallons, the odds of success are low in my opinion.  The red-tailed shark in particular would be pretty vulnerable and I wouldn't put a lot of money on the clown loaches surviving either.

 To improve the odds, make sure the tank has lots of structure (rock, wood, plants, etc) to break up the space and to provide hiding places for any weaker fish.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>