To dither or not?

[ashik]

I know that you can quell some aggressiveness between some fish by having dither fish, and can make other fish more secure by adding dithers, but what does everybody think for their pl*cs? Does the addition of dither fish seem to bring them out more? What species have worked well, and what have not?

[MatsP]

If nothing else, it makes your tank look "not empty" - so I'm all for dithers.

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Mats

[Richard B]

In situations where it is possible i would always have them.

I have a breeding tank set up for Syno sp(2) & they'r doing fine (although unproductive at the moment ). Recently i added 10 pearl danios & the activity of the synos has increased by masses with some very minor signs things are moving in the right direction.

[pLaurent1251]

IMO, some of the best dither fish (or target fish for breeding cichlids) are tetras. They come in different sizes from minute to large, they're always out in the open and their constant activity and schooling behavior not only makes the tank look alive, but is reassuring to shy species.

I have no idea if pleco behavior is influenced by dithers, however..? One of mine is in with cherry barbs and a school of neon tetras, but I don't think he cares either way!

[Richard B]

I think the choice of dither fish needs a little bit of consideration - i've known people try & use unsuitable species at times - stuff that was boisterous, nippy, too inquisitive - some characins, barbs are well known for this but a little thought can prevent problems

[AndrewC]

As Richard said, consideration is needed, hypancistrus are shy in the beginning and the can be slow eaters, some dither fish will eat the food before the plec gets to it.

Though i did like this, LOL;

by MatsP on Wed Apr 30, 2008 10:25 am

If nothing else, it makes your tank look "not empty" - so I'm all for dithers

[MatsP]

Yes, avoiding fish that look for food at the bottom is a good idea. For example, Eartheaters are lovely, but not ideal as "dither fish" with for example Hypancistrus (never mind that they eventually become too large).

Small tetras, some barbs, and rasboras come in high on the list of suitable fish. I have red-eye (triband) tetras and black neons in my two "species" tanks.

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Mats

[Brengun]

I have four glass catfish who only swim in the mid to upper regions. They absolutely will not go to the bottom to eat plec food. They are a good water barometer as I cannot always find the plecs as they like to hide away sometimes, so if the glassies are looking at all off then I know to check my water.