African cichlids with community fish

Question
I have a 40 gallon tank with some community fish.  Particularly 4 platies/ mollies, 6 flame gouramis, and 6 zebra danios.  At the fish store today I saw  some <1inch african cichlids.  (Or at least that is what the tank was labeled as but they definitely smaller than 1 inch)  I am finding those cichlids to be the most colorful and the most attractive.  I have always thought that cichlids were "big" fish and my 40 gallon tank would not support them.

My question is if it is a good idea to get the small african cichlids to add a tremendous color potential to my tank?  Ive noticed a lot of other forums always stating to get 100+gallon tanks to have the other types of cichlids and I wanted to know if it is applicable to the smaller fish?

Answer
Cichlids should pretty much be kept with themselves, or other similar in size/nature fish like Oscars for example. These guys can grow to be pretty big and all are very very aggressive. I would also have to recommend a tank size of 100 gallons or more. The ones in pet stores are usually young, I believe because they are easier to sell. They still have a lot of growing to do. Many people make the mistake of putting them in with community fish who always end up as a meal for the cichlids. A tank with all African Cichlids, is beautiful!!!