P. denisonii with Gymnos?

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peathenster

peathenster

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Nov 26, 2008
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I was looking for some colorful dithers for my Gymno. balzanii and noticed Puntius denisonii (roseline shark). They are found in mountain streams where the temperature can be down to the 60s. I was wondering if anybody had experience mixing them with Gymnos or other relatively peaceful SA tankmates?
 
peathenster said:
I understand that, but the tetras Ken brought back from Uruguay all have big teeth...
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Yeah, some people like those, but I'm not sure your gymnos would. They'd probably REALLY like your gymnos though. :irked:

Like I said, I think it could work well. Are your balzanii pretty timid, hence the dithers?
 
One thing I should add is that denisonii IME are pretty sensitive to tank switches and sudden water chemistry changes--much like a lot of SAs. Just don't think of them as hardy barbs like a lot of the other barb species you will find in a LFS. I'm sure you're aware a lot of them are wildcaught, and can be pretty pricey for a dither. I've seen them occasionally come in at petsmart and sell for really cheap if you don't mind getting fish from a chain. They can go for $25 a fish here from the LFS for WC 2" fish.
 
The group of tetras we brought back from Uruguay has been very peaceful to all my fishes so far. They were cannibalizing each other in the breather bags but now no issues. Currently they are living with my pair of Rotkeils.

What size tank are your balzanii in? Mine were super shy when I had them in a 60g but now they are in my 150g and full of life! I'm actually surprised that they are still lively cuz I just moved 250miles up the coast!
 
aclockworkorange said:
One thing I should add is that denisonii IME are pretty sensitive to tank switches and sudden water chemistry changes--much like a lot of SAs. Just don't think of them as hardy barbs like a lot of the other barb species you will find in a LFS. I'm sure you're aware a lot of them are wildcaught, and can be pretty pricey for a dither. I've seen them occasionally come in at petsmart and sell for really cheap if you don't mind getting fish from a chain. They can go for $25 a fish here from the LFS for WC 2" fish.
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I think it's extremely difficult to breed them in tanks, although it has been done in Asia...probably in ponds (guessing). They seem to like high O2 and strong currents. Water quality is decent in that tank with 2x AC110, a C360 and an eheim 2026 and weekly 80% WC. I have a couple of eheim 2076s and an FX5 lying around that I can add to the tank if necessary.


abarilot said:
The group of tetras we brought back from Uruguay has been very peaceful to all my fishes so far. They were cannibalizing each other in the breather bags but now no issues. Currently they are living with my pair of Rotkeils.

What size tank are your balzanii in? Mine were super shy when I had them in a 60g but now they are in my 150g and full of life! I'm actually surprised that they are still lively cuz I just moved 250miles up the coast!
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Good to know the tetras are doing well! Mine are in a 90g, which is all I can do for now. They are out and about now because the water is warm enough that I can keep a few other SAs in there. Ed said his were relatively shy as well. Maybe it's just their personalities and I shouldn't push too hard :(
 
You Should consider some Australoheros sp. "red ceibal". They can handle cooler temps, but aggression might be an issue. Gorgeous fish though.

I know they are definitely breeding denisonii, but I think you're right about them coming out of Asia, I don't recall seeing any of lists from suppliers from Florida, but it wouldn't surprise me if someone was breeding them down there too.

You're right on about the denisonii, although I would probably add a powerhead pointed towards the middle/upper part of the water column. Does a lot of current bother gymnos?
 
I kept red ceibals and some other Australoheros species before. They bred like rabbits and it was a lot of fun. But I don't think there's enough room for everybody to be comfortable.

The current doesn't seem to bother the G. balzanii now, but it's getting close, lol.
 
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