Dither Fish?

Tommy Gun

Tommy Gun

Fish Fanatic
Aug 1, 2006
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Wisconsin, USA
Today I got this month's installments of the various aquaria magazines I subscribe to and I read an article about the use of 'dither' fish in a cichlid tank to help settle the cichlids down. In case this is known under another term, I will try to explain the gist of the article.

Basically, the principle of the use of 'dither' fish is putting non-cichlid type fish in a tank with cichlids. Basically, it would depend on the compatability as far as water types (i.e. Ph....) of all the fish, as long as the non-cichlids are constant movers and too fast/too big to eat. Some examples in the article included tetras, silver dollars, and even mollies/platties. Aparently this helps reduce the tension in the tank by directing the cichlid's attention to the other fish, keeping it off the female cichlids or other males.

So, my questions are....Has anyone tried this? If so, have you experienced success or failure? And if successful....how did you do it!?!?!?!?
 
I just recently added giant danios as dithers for my Jack Dempsey and it worked wonders. They immediately came out of their hiding and swim about the tank all day now. There is however a difference between dithers (to make cichlids feel more secure) and target fish (to reduce aggression towards each other). It works though.
 
It works!

My two parrots were always hiding. Put 3 Black Veil Tetras in the tank and they are out swimming around all the time.

bb1.jpg
 
They basically need to see other fish out and around and not acting afraid (dithers). That brings THEM out. As joycerino, posted, that's different from fish that the cichlids will target for attack. One of the things I've discovered in my short experience with cichlids is that the tone of the tank is determined by the dominant fish in the tank. Get a big, tough, but not nasty fish in there and build around it. S/he will keep the others in line, but not bully them. Everyone benefits that way. The best government has always been a benevolent monarchy. :dance2:
 
sorry to say this aardvark1 but your 29 is over filled by wat peaople tell me. they say a 55 is the minimmum. i not and expert but thats what people say. i lso had the same expeience with the jack i wanted one they say not enough room.



nate
 
Gee, I don't recall anyone asking if there tank was too crowded, But I do recall the thread is about dither fish, and I have had success using silver dollars, australian rainbows and giant danios for various cichlids.
 
Nate-

Noted and is going to be rectified and soon as I can get the bucks together!
 
Thanks for the info! I am not sure if I need a dither fish or a target fish. I have absolutely no problems with not being able to see my cichlids as they are constantly out and about, mostly chasing each other around. I think right now the tank holds all but two male auratus (they are too young to sex accurately, but two of them are a white/yellow color with a few brown 'splotchy' scales and VERY aggressive.)

I should have stated that the inhabitants of my tank are 6 auratus and 3 kennyi and so I am looking into dither or target fish to help keep some sanity in there until everything goes really bad, or I can find new homes for them, hopefully before they are adults.

So, with this added info, as far as the fish I am trying to help out, do you have any ideas or input? Thanks again for all your help!
 
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