I just had to post this. So I find a guy on Craigslist selling Driftwood. Here’s what I found.
Skittish Dovii
- Thread starter jayo
- Start date
I would go still go Danios over Convicts...A cheaper, not to mention faster alternative. If I was going to try the dither route, I'd rather he just go ahead and eat them (Danios) rather than just kick the crap out of them (Convicts). If he eats the danios just scrap the dither idea...he will snap out of it at some point, especially if you make the lighting and hide adjustments.
Thanks for all the info guys. Grabbed some driftwood and have it soaking now, I usually do this for about a week with daily water changes to the drum with a cup of bleach added (55 gallon rubber drum). I also grabbed a good bit of silk plants from Micheals, some hanging, some drapping style. I'll get all this put in this weekend.
As for fish stocking, Since the tank is so open a this point i'm gonna add some caves to the right side. Large enough that some convicts can hide in small enough that the Dovii can't get to them. As stated before I kinded want some anyway so no harm there. Danios aren't that expensive as well so I'll grab about 6 to 8 and throw them in there as well. I'll make sure I post everything here for others that may run into this issue.
As for fish stocking, Since the tank is so open a this point i'm gonna add some caves to the right side. Large enough that some convicts can hide in small enough that the Dovii can't get to them. As stated before I kinded want some anyway so no harm there. Danios aren't that expensive as well so I'll grab about 6 to 8 and throw them in there as well. I'll make sure I post everything here for others that may run into this issue.
Beautiful tank! Can you provide some details on the large plants in the top of the tank? Also what are the skinny branches that you have in there? Thanks I’m advance.Big tank, small solo fish, bright lights, no real cover in the tank. That's the problem imo.
Add the convicts sure that may help, (wouldn't go for any schooling/livebearer fish- sure to be eaten with a piscivorous cichlid like a dovii) but I think adding cover/decor will also be important to helping the dovii become outgoing. Fake plants with suction cups that go on the top will help alot. Likeduanes explained the hiding is instictive to avoid predators, and especially if there is nothing going on in the top half of the tank, they feel like a sitting duck waiting to be eaten. And yes, dovii are usually pretty shy fish until about a foot long anyway.
Here's an example of what I mean by cover in the upper reaches. One of my tanks from a few years ago. More subdued lighting also helps.
View attachment 1449217
thanks, fake plants from the craft store michaels, and the skinny wood is sandblasted manzanita
I agree with the tank being large and relatively empty. I'm sure that isn't helping, however my big male dovii has always been shy of people since I got him and it has never changed. I've had him for a long time now and have had many spawns from that pair. I'm also raising a naturally bonded pair from a group of fry that came from the big pair, and that male is very aggressive and shows a ton of personality. Typical dovii attitude, yet even he has his moments. If my wife walks by the tank too quickly he will sometimes bolt and panic looking for somewhere to hide. But usually he is right up front begging for food. I think each one is different and there may not be a 'fix' to change their attitudes. I personally would not try dithers, especially danios. They will not last. You can get away with convicts if you have plenty of hiding places, but even they will be in danger eventually. My advice, keeping them in pairs is the best way. Give the female hides to get away from him if need be, and once they are paired up and start spawning they aren't afraid of anything!
So here is an update on the tank. Let me know what you think. Plan to grab some convicts in a few days.
