FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Hi all. first-time poster, long-time reader here.
I have 1 3 inch JD that is 3 inches and two Texas Cichlids that are the same. Sometimes it gets rough in the tank. I was wondering about some dither fish. Any suggestions.

I think you are looking for target fish, not dithers. Either way, tiger barbs should work out, until the cichlids get bigger. The Texas cichlids get pretty large too, almost a foot. Just so you know, they will eventually outgrow your tank. Tiger barbs are pretty quick and hardy though, and should be able to handle these smallish cichlids.

Welcome to the site!

Last edited by sirbooks at 07-Jan-2005 22:15

---

And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

thanks for your response. actually the texas' are hybrids. a local dealer got them. I though he was full of it, but they are only about 3 and a half inches or so and I've had them for 5 months, so I honestly don't think they'll get much larger. The JD will of course :-)
I think I'll go for 3 Tigers and no more. Only time will tell I guess.

The tigers will not be happy with only three. They are a definite schooling fish and at least 6 is a must, but even more is better!

so, six tiger barbs ? I must admit I would like the way that would look, but it's not about me here. They had better be quick and hearty I guess.

I agree in that six tiger barbs would be much better than three. They certainly are quick, and they are very tough for their size. Tiger barbs usually push smaller fish around, and they'll be okay with your larger cichlids.

---

And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

Cool. Thanks. Next opportunity I'm headed off for those guys.

bad news. one was eaten and two others have been beaten up pretty bad. I don't have another tank to put them in and when I get home today I'm afraid of what I am going to find. I looked and looked and asked around, so I did what seemed right, but that does stink. Those guys are just going to have to learn to live together I guess :-)

I have never had luck with tiger barbs as dithers. They aren't fast enough when the lights go out in the tank, when the JD is ready to hunt. I have, though, kept Giant Danios in my larger cichlid tanks and they survive. Just get about 4 danios about the size of your texas, or get the largest danios in the tank and they should be fine...another possblity, if the tank is large enough, a schoal of silver dollars. Their body size is just too large for most cichlids to swallow...sorry to hear about your barbs

Dustin

well, two of the six are still alive. I think I'm going to get a few Silver Dollars. I doubt it will save them, but it will take the JD's eyes off, I HOPE. It has to be him. It just has to be. You're right about the sleep. the stinker must be just waiting for them to rest cuz, they really are faster than he is, but he's a hunter, so I shouldn't be surprised at what happend. Man, there has got to be a better way to have one big happy family:%)

what are the dimensions of your 55 gallon high tank? chances are the tank is just too small. while the dempsey and texas' are small it won't be as bad, but as they get bigger eventually someone will be killed. dempseys can grow to 10-12"ish and texas can get 11-12"ish.

I've found non-cichlid dither/target fish don't always work very well. IME, many larger aggressive cichlids don't bother non-cichlid fish because they don't pose a threat. I had a 9" midas a couple years ago that would let a bala shark swim right past her without ever being bothered. however, if the JD or GT that shared the tank (125 gallons) got near the midas' territory she'd chase them off in a hurry.

hey, been really bus w work, sorry about the late response.
got a school of silver dollars and so far so good for the past week. Been wondering about the JD and his night hunting, but he actually doesn't mind those guys. The Texas hybrids are kinda curious, but make half-harted attempts at them. They're too fast :-). X my fingers and see what happens. Many thanks for your thoughts.