Some interesting advice in here 
Jds are very skittish by nature and this goes double for ebjd. The only way to get them comfortable outside their nest is to have them get used to it. There are a few things that can aid this process.
1st method. A big male convict, or firemouth. Usually JD's arent very aggressive and when they see another fish his size out it will make him come out. I say convict because they are really not shy at all.
2nd method. Since danio have gotten eaten anything of equal size will be eaten as well. Tiger barbs usually do well in schools of 12-15 and if you get them as adults your JD wont be able to eat them
3rd method. This can sometimes be a bit stressful for the fish. But take all his hidding spots away. Forcing him to confront his environment and realizing nothing is going to attack him.
4th method. which you should use will all above. Do not reinforce hiding, by this i mean dont feed him when he hides. Of course give enough to sustain him but when he comes out to swim reward him with some goodies. Attempt some of the above methods and your JD will soon realize there are alot more entertaining things to do then sit and hide in a cave all day. Good luck, They are shy fish, but not so shy they should hide all day. A convict would really help out, 1 that wont get bullied around and not be overly aggressive.
Patience really is key.
Jds are very skittish by nature and this goes double for ebjd. The only way to get them comfortable outside their nest is to have them get used to it. There are a few things that can aid this process.
1st method. A big male convict, or firemouth. Usually JD's arent very aggressive and when they see another fish his size out it will make him come out. I say convict because they are really not shy at all.
2nd method. Since danio have gotten eaten anything of equal size will be eaten as well. Tiger barbs usually do well in schools of 12-15 and if you get them as adults your JD wont be able to eat them
3rd method. This can sometimes be a bit stressful for the fish. But take all his hidding spots away. Forcing him to confront his environment and realizing nothing is going to attack him.
4th method. which you should use will all above. Do not reinforce hiding, by this i mean dont feed him when he hides. Of course give enough to sustain him but when he comes out to swim reward him with some goodies. Attempt some of the above methods and your JD will soon realize there are alot more entertaining things to do then sit and hide in a cave all day. Good luck, They are shy fish, but not so shy they should hide all day. A convict would really help out, 1 that wont get bullied around and not be overly aggressive.
Patience really is key.
didn't even plan on going to the area, but there was a powerman 5000 concert near and I said WTH 
he also had a black JD that looks ridiculously awesome! So I might pick both of them up, and maybe a convict or something, haven't decided. The EBJD is just too much of a sally for me, big letdown, I even put some giant danios in there and still nothing, the females were havin a blast picking on them haha (only a buck a piece at petsmart, can't go wrong, half price!).
