I've got a standard 125 gallon with some shy cichlids (Severums and Chocolate) that might benefit from the "safety" dither fish might provide. The severums and chocolate tend to stick to the bottom/corners of the tank, so I only really get to see my Electric Blue Acaras (paired, but don't seem overly aggressive). The only issue is the two bichirs (Delhezi and Weeksii) that are both around 11"-12" long. My concern is obviously the bichirs just straight up eating them, so my challenge is to find dither fish that:
1. Grow large enough to not be eaten
2. Aren't overly skittish or overly aggressive
3. Aren't crazy expensive (I want to do 6-18 fish depending on the species, but $40-$50 a fish is just too much)
4. Will live comfortably in a 125 gallon
The suggestions I've received/researched have been:
- Buenos Aires tetras (Look good, worried about possible fin nipping)
- Roseline barbs (Same as above, but larger ones get expensive)
- Silver dollars (not a big fan of the standard ones, but have considered something like 6 Blackberries if I can get them at a decent price)
- Congo tetras (seems to be a good option as well)
- Pink/Yellow Tail Chalceus (I've wanted some for awhile but have read they can be skittish, which is the exact issue I'm trying to fix)
If anyone has suggestions or input on these, I'd love to hear them.
1. Grow large enough to not be eaten
2. Aren't overly skittish or overly aggressive
3. Aren't crazy expensive (I want to do 6-18 fish depending on the species, but $40-$50 a fish is just too much)
4. Will live comfortably in a 125 gallon
The suggestions I've received/researched have been:
- Buenos Aires tetras (Look good, worried about possible fin nipping)
- Roseline barbs (Same as above, but larger ones get expensive)
- Silver dollars (not a big fan of the standard ones, but have considered something like 6 Blackberries if I can get them at a decent price)
- Congo tetras (seems to be a good option as well)
- Pink/Yellow Tail Chalceus (I've wanted some for awhile but have read they can be skittish, which is the exact issue I'm trying to fix)
If anyone has suggestions or input on these, I'd love to hear them.
