Central American Dithers

[elting44]

I was wondering anyone had suggestions for dither/target fish for a Jack Dempsey that were native to the same ecosystem (biotope). I know that Swordtails also come from Southern Mexico to Honduras but I am afraid they would not be fast enough to out-swim a JD and find cover before becoming feeders. Has anyone had any luck with Swordtails and JDs or have a suggestion?

 

[Aquamojo]

Try Metynsis. Try and buy them at a similar size as the cichlids (if possible). Make sure to get four-five (depending on tank size) as they swim in shoals. They've been a God send to my tanks.

 

[darth pike]

There are mexican tetras (Astyanax mexicanus) but I have never seen them in a LFS. However, when I first saw the article on them, I swear I was looking at buenos aries tetras ... their coloring is almost identical. Fast and fiesty and nice sized, I would personally try them with dempsies myself.

 

[balton777]

What size tank?

 

[elting44]

It is only a 55. That is why Metynnsis may big a little big. I would like a fish that tops out at 2-3". I will look into 'Mexican Tetras'. Thanks to Mo for the SD idea, Does anyone know of a silver dollar species that'll stay smaller than normal SDs and red-hooks?

 

[LemonHead]

SD's are slow growers, try it out.
You can always trade them in for smaller ones once they get too big.
Just a thought.

 

[cichlid2006]

i used banded rainbow fish for my gold saum. worked great.

 

[ctenopoma]

I had a fish book that went missing but I remember seeing that there is a species of sd's that grows considerably smaller

 

[CTU2fan]

I think blind cave fish/tetras are the same as Mexican tetras (same genus anyway). Not really the schooling/target fish type though. How big is the jack? You might be OK with swordtails, my JD's rarely bothered with feeders so the swords might not get eaten.

 

[TrikkyMakk]

You can always try a convict. They are very tough and my fish love to chase mine. I have a JD, GT, Midavil and one male convict. I also have a pleco.