Dither Fish

[Gooner]

Hi,

I am looking to introduce a school of Dither fish into a tank with a few Chichlids to bring out the shyness of a Blue Acara. I was looking along the lines of Black Skirt Tetras or Black Ruby Barbs, about 6 of them (Are these the right ones to use)? My only concern is that the Rams spend a lot of time roaming the mid region of the tank, would they pester the dither fish or is it not in their nature?

Any advice appreciated.

Current set-up

Juwel Rekord 120
1 x Blue Acara (4")
2 x Blue Rams (1 1/2"each)
1 x Gold Ram (1 1/2")
1 x Kribensis (3")
1 x Clown Plec (2")
1 x Bristlenose (2")

 

[KimA]

Not too sure about the Barbs or Tetras, but I've used Rainbowfish as they're a good size.

 

[Gooner]

What type of Rainbow fish would be ideal, I see there are a few different varieties. Having a look it seems that the Australian is more suitable. I also notice they prefer a slighty brackish water which I have no experiance in. Have never seen any in my Lfs`s.

Oops. Smelling Mistokes.

 

[KimA]

The Rainbow's I've got (all freshwater, not brackish) are Bosemani and Blue.

 

[Gooner]

Just having a quick look they look as they grow to between 4 - 6". Ideally I`m looking for a shoal of about six fish, if these were added I think I will be somewhat overstocked. Maybe should be looking for something around the size of about 2 -3".

Thanks for the recomendation.

 

[cornishgiant]

I would have thought Buenos Aires Tetras would be a good bet.

TOugh enough to hold their own too.

 

[unfamous]

why not get tiger barbs?...they can hold their own in a tank with cichlids. and the fish u have in your tank wont get picked on by the barbs but if u get 6 then u should be fine

 

[Gooner]

Sorry, Tiger Barbs are out of the question. Had a bad experience with six of them a few weeks ago.
Good idea though. Maybe another time.
Thanks.

 

[n3ont3tra]

I've heard of Danios being used. I don't know how well it worked, though. Good Luck.

 

[starrynightxxi]

danios are good dither fish. My LFS uses giant danios as dither fish in their cichlid breeding tanks. not sure what full size is on these guys, though

 

[n3ont3tra]

I think the max size on giant danios is 4 inches

 

[kcalbat]

since u were interested in rainbows....how about the blue neon DWARF rainbows? they are very bright, wonderfully colored and only get about half the size typical rainbows get. 2 inches or so.

 

[carpus]

NANNOSTOMUS MORTENTHALERI

 

[ItsMyThing]

I once used black skirt tetras in a 55 gal as dither fish for 3 large blood parots. Six tetras. They ran in a gang, attacking (nipping) the BP;s. Needless to say, the tetras now live in another tank. The problems is, the BP's are stillllll hiding.