SD are poor dither?

[Buphy]

So resently I traded in my group of 5 tiger silver dollars. Felt that they were getting picked on by my Lyonsi and that they'd be better off in someone else's tank. After moving them I've noticed a great deal more movement and interaction from my Lyonsi.

So here's my theory. The silver dollars, some what skiddish by nature, were extra on edge because of the Lyonsi. This in turn caused the Lyonsi to be stressed because in nature (I believe) cichlids use schooling fish to see if the "coast is clear" so to speak.

This being said I've enjoyed my Lyonsi even more the last week or so and would like to submit the idea that silver dollars are not the best dither for younger cichlids. Does anyone else have a similar experience or thoughts? As always, thanks for taking the time to read! I look forward to y'all's responses.

 

[Buphy]

Also here's some pics of the rescape after the move...

 

[tlindsey]

Maybe it was because you're fish are juveniles, and were instinctively hiding. When some cichlid mature they become fearless this is just my opinion.

 

[Buphy]

I agree it's because they're juvies. Like I said, not best for "younger fish".

 

[duanes]

I've always considered large fish (like silver dollars or tin foil barbs) a poor choice as dithers for all "but" the very largest of cichlids.
My preference is always something that creates a much smaller bio-load, and something that stays near the surface, like the shots from nature below.
[/URL[URL=http://s70.photobucket.com/user/dstuer/media/Mexico/JDs%20of%20Cristalino/088.jpg.html]
I also like species that readily reproduce, providing either snacks for the cichlids, or that self sustain the dither population.[/URL]

 

[Reiner]

I've tried SD 3 times over the last 15 years. Every time I had the same result. Skittish SD makes for skittish cichlids

 

[celebrist]

i also think silver dollars are often used in too small of a tank so they are skittish. when my group of six were under quarantine in my 90 they were very skittish. after moving them to the 450 they are quite calm and always come up to the front and chill when i watch them

 

[isde02]

Idk, I've had great results with sds. The only bad results I've had was with an aggressive characin tank....they just killed all of the sds and was done with it.

 

[dan518]

Ime sd's with bold fish will get bold,, sd's with nervous fish get nervous.
Had them in with my old lyonsi, which were 10 inch and not scared of anything, the silver dollars would eat out my hand and never acted skittish.
Had some in with juvenile zonatus, the whole tank was a nightmare, you could hear all the fish bouncing the tank as soon as you walked in the room.

 

[juddb]

I have to agree with dan, i have 2 sd's. That live with my umbees and are pretty tough, healthy and get front and center for food with a 12" male umbee and a 7" female. So in a big tank with big cichlids it might take a while but they get pretty confident.