My skittish Centrals

[papawoody]

Dithers are killed or eaten on sight.

really ? even silver dollars ? ... tinfoil barbs ? def too big to eat , and in a group aggression would be spread out . and they're too quick for cichlids usually . i've had good results with silver dollars anyways. tinfoil barbs were ok too but they eat too much too fast , which could be good in some cases ... teaches others to get off they're scared butts and compete .

 

[Gruff Master]

I've tried Tin Foil Barbs and they did more harm than good. They were constantly startled and dashing around the tank, making everything even more nervous. My cichlids killed a few of them until I decided to remove the rest. I would only get Silver Dollars if I could find the smaller spotted ones. The regular ones get too big and I don't like heavily stocked tanks. SD do better in groups, so a group of adults would be too much. Tetras haven't worked either.

 

[papawoody]

ok then good luck with your new stock !

 

[jag123]

They all look very healthy despite skittish behavior.

Have you tried subduing the lighting? Or possibly adding some floating plants to break up the overhead lights? Just a suggestion - thanks for sharing your collection.

 

[Gruff Master]

They all look very healthy despite skittish behavior.

Have you tried subduing the lighting? Or possibly adding some floating plants to break up the overhead lights? Just a suggestion - thanks for sharing your collection.

Thanks for the compliments. They do eat very well and are growing at a steady rate. They are just very reclusive. I actually have thought of artificial floating plants. If I have to keep this stock a little longer then I just might try it. Thanks a lot.

 

[Bully Fish]

Im thinking dimmer lighting and a darker substrate would help. I like your female jack alot! She does look a little stressed though.

 

[Gruff Master]

Im thinking dimmer lighting and a darker substrate would help. I like your female jack alot! She does look a little stressed though.

The lights are not strong at all. They are swimming around now all over the tank. It's only when people come near their tank that they hide. The JD isn't stressed at all. She is high on the pecking order. She may look stressed in the video because I was standing inches away from the glass with a camera in my hand.

 

[Bully Fish]

The lights are not strong at all. They are swimming around now all over the tank. It's only when people come near their tank that they hide. The JD isn't stressed at all. She is high on the pecking order. She may look stressed in the video because I was standing inches away from the glass with a camera in my hand.

I guess the camera wouldnt help Its too bad they are so skittish. My jds are usually right out in the front.

 

[Gruff Master]

I know what you mean. I had a pair of JD years ago that were not nearly as jittery as these guys. The new tank will have a sand bottom, real driftwood, and a few groups of loaches and barbs. If I still have these fish, some of them will not be going in the larger tank. So I guess I'll see what happens over the next few weeks. I appreciate all of the advice and kind words.