matty i wouldn't put an American cichlid (or any big cichlid) for that matter
i tryed it with a barra and a female jag and things didnt go 2 well
main problem is a barra aint to good at defending itsself and once the cicglid puts it over him it will do so non stop .... BUT THIS IS JUST FROM MY EXPERIENCE you could have better luck
personally i would also stick with a aussie native tank , they can be very interesting
a few suggestions
eel tail catfish
electric blue marron
bannded puffer
silver scat
silver mono
murray cod
OR PF COURSE A NICE BIG SARATOGA jardini of course