At best, you’re looking at 2 or 3… With Cichlids, you [generally] have to account not only for their size, but also their waste production and aggression. Since they will need larger territories, they’ll need more space or they will be constantly fighting, which can not only cause immediate damage, but long-term damage as the stress weakens their immune systems, making them more susceptible to disease. In the end, it will totally depend on the Cichlid– if you get Angels, you could comfortably fit 5-6, but if you get a Jack Dempsey, you’re looking at only 2, and that’s ONLY if it’s a bonded pair.

Also, how long did your step dad’s Parrot fish and Oscar live and how big were they when they died? I can guarantee you they weren’t the 10 inch Parrots and 16 inch Oscars they were supposed to be at around 15 years of age…

if your kind to your fish you would put 5 10 inches fish there but if you want them to suffer and cruelty occur put 8 of them in the tank now thats a FACT!