Dats and Dithers

[JD7.62]

As I understand dithers are usually a cheap, active/schooling fish that make more shy fish such as dats feel more comfortable, correct?

My 11 baby Indos are active, stable little buggers. However, my two larger (8" & 6") Indos hide and are dark unless its feeding time. They are in a 125 bare bottom with two large pieces of drift wood with a couple pieces of java fern growing. Tank mates include an 8" ray, 12" Ornate Bichir, 12" BGK, 4 CLs from 4-6.5", and one 8" CK. I use to have a 12" Cichla Mono and I thought he was punking them out and now that he is gone they still are shy.

Would dithers help here or should I make my tank more natural (not an option till I get rid of the ray). If I go with dithers what kind should I go with? I want them to be of S.E. Asian origin as Im eventually going to make this an all Asian tank.

 

[phoenixx]

I have the Asian themed tank as well. I used 2 Hampala Barbs. They are from Southeast Asia. They grow quick and get fairly large.

 

[RedWild]

Best dithers in my opinion are Tinfoil Barbs. Golden Tinfoils are the best.

 

[JD7.62]

I considered Hampalas but I think they would quickly outgrow my baby dats and would eat them. As far as tinfoils Iwant to stay away from anything too common!

 

[AquataHolic420]

stay away form common eh.... i was going to say red hooks, but nevermind. I honeslty cant think right now...of a good dither. more dats maybe as dithers haha

 

[JD7.62]

Well Ive got 13 dats in the tank counting the small ones!

 

[phoenixx]

yes Hampalas will eat anything they can fit into there mouths. I was also think tinfoils or silvers but I dont think those fish are from Asian waters.