cichlids together

Question
i have a 55 gallon tank with a pleco, jewel cichlid and red devil unfortunatley my red devil is quite aggressive suprise suprise BUT MY TANK IS VERY BARE what fish if any would you recomend putting in my tank id really like to buy some more fish

Answer
Hello Zach!

Red  cichlids are considered one of the rowdiest of cichlids. Most of the time they don't mix with nobody unless you provide lots of room to run or hide. They are known to kill whatever you add to their tank. You probably already know this but just a reminder that these cichlids grow 12+ inches. From what i've heard you can keep reds with other fish at first. Eventually they argue with eachother and reds eventually kill the other fish. I'm not really sure what other fish you could add due to the red 's extreme aggresiveness I highly doubt that any fish would be able to live the first few days if added to your 55 gallon tank especially since you said it is very bare.  One species which always seems to be recommended for other very aggressive cichlids is the Jack dempsey. A beautiful, hardy, common cichlid that grows about 8-12 inches or so.
I can't give a good solid answer since keeping cichlids together is always a gamble. You never know if they'll get along or not. Each one has their own personality.

Perhaps add some rockwork, plastic plants, and other decor to allow hiding places if you plan to get another fish.     Be sure and arrange the decoration as soon as you get the new fish so just maybe the red  will be confused and might accept a Jack dempsey. Be sure and try to get a Dempsey the same size if not a little bigger than the red  to further improve your chances of sucess.

If you need anymore info or have more questions, just email me again! I more than happy to help you!

Best of luck to you and your fish!

Happy Fishkeeping!
Susie~
Ps: Please visit "www.aqualandpetsplus.com" look under the fish section. It provides lots of info and great photos including many pictures and info on Jack dempseys and many, many, many other fish species. Please visit for more information and help with your problem.