The Best Fish for a 55 Gallon Tank (Cichlids, Peacock Bass & More)
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A 55 gallon aquarium offers the perfect balance between space and manageability—large enough to house impressive species but compact enough for most home setups. Whether you're building your first semi-aggressive tank or leveling up to something more exotic, choosing the best fish for a 55 gallon tank is key to long-term success.
At Rob’s Aquatics, we specialize in monster fish, rare cichlids, and predatory species perfect for this size tank. In this guide, we’ll break down our top picks, tank mate tips, and care advice—based on what’s available right now on RobsAquatics.com.
If you're after vibrant color, bold behavior, and endless variety, African cichlids are a perfect fit. A 55 gallon tank can comfortably house a small colony of Mbuna or Peacock Cichlids, offering an active, visually striking display.
✅ Recommended:
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Yellow Lab Cichlids
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OB Peacocks
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Electric Blue Ahli (when in stock)
🐟 2. Juvenile Peacock Bass (Monster Fish That Grow with Your Tank)
A juvenile Peacock Bass is one of the most exciting fish you can keep in a mid-size tank. While they’ll eventually outgrow the 55 gallon, raising one from small size (2–4 inches) gives you time to upgrade—and enjoy their rapid growth and feeding responses.
⚠️ Tip: Keep them solo or with other predators only. These are not community-safe fish.
🛒 View Peacock Bass Inventory »
3. Goonch Catfish (Advanced Keepers Only)
Keyword Targets: goonch catfish care, monster catfish for aquariums
For experienced aquarists with upgrade plans, the Goonch Catfish makes a bold statement. This fish is ultra-rare, carnivorous, and incredibly powerful—even at smaller sizes. A 55 gallon can serve as a short-term grow-out tank with intense filtration and a bare-bottom setup.
⚠️ Warning: This fish is for serious hobbyists only and should be housed solo.
🧠 4. Compatible Tank Mates for a 55 Gallon Predator Tank
Keyword Targets: tank mates for peacock bass, aggressive freshwater fish
Depending on your primary fish, compatible tank mates can include:
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Firemouth Cichlids
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Jack Dempsey
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Plecos (with caution)
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Silver Dollars (fast-moving dither fish)
We recommend avoiding small community fish, guppies, or bottom dwellers with predator species.
📦 Shop Fish for Your 55 Gallon Tank
Browse the latest live inventory on RobsAquatics.com, updated weekly with new rare imports, monster fish, and exotic cichlids. All orders include a Live Arrival Guarantee and fast nationwide shipping.
🛒 Shop All Fish »
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📹 Bonus: Watch These Fish in Action @ Rob's Aquatics on YouTube!