Ok so one last update here (hopefully)
all three pups are doing well. Eating like champions. Hardly ever hide.
they all eat pellets as a staple, I mix in different types of shrimps, smelts, and worms.
the bigger two have just dropped their first barbs, and I found them both so that a nice bonus. I am guessing the little girl will be a few weeks behind schedule with her growth rate vs the other two. All are very aggressive feeders and patterns are becoming more beautiful each day. Even the little one has some very defined pearls developing. She has some very neat spotting between her eyes that just looks incredible. I am super happy with these 3 and very glad I made