The term dither fish refers to an arbitrary group of aquarium fish, commonly used by aquarists, to help reduce innate timidity and aggression as well as to promote normal social behaviour in the other fish housed within the same aquarium.
Are guppies good dithers?
Guppies are Livebearers and possibly the most popular of the group. Guppies are peaceful Dither Fish, tolerant of a wide range of water conditions, and will eat whatever you provide them.
What is the best dither fish?
Top 5 Dither Fish to Help Shy or Aggressive Fish
- Livebearers. Livebearers are fish that bear live young, and most of the common types at the pet store (e.g., guppies, platies, and mollies) are extremely friendly and colorful.
- Tetras and Rasboras.
- Corydoras.
- Danios and Rainbowfish.
- Hatchetfish and Pencilfish.
What should pH be for cichlids?
between 7.4 and 7.9
pH plays an important role in how comfortable the fish is, and how they regulate their internal chemical reactions to support life. Generally speaking the spectrum between 7.4 and 7.9 is ideal for most Malawi and Victorian African Cichlids and all the way up to 8.3-9.3 for Tanganyikan African Cichlids.
How long will a cichlid hold eggs for?
21 to 36 days
African cichlids, which are maternal mouthbrooders, are an example of fish that continue to protect their young even after the eggs have hatched. Female African cichlids hold eggs in their mouths for 21 to 36 days. During this time, the female does not eat, leaving no opportunity for an egg to escape.
What are some good dither fish?
Do you need dither fish?
Any time you intend on having a focal species for an aquarium its a good idea to provide Dither Fish. Discus aquariums are a good example; while Discus are large, showy, expensive fish, Cardinal Tetras are ideal Dither Fish for them. They signal to Discus that all is well and have identical water quality requirements.
What fish can act as a dither fish?
Several types of livebearer can act as dither fish. One popular option is the ubiquitous fancy guppy, which is as colorful as it is prolific. Fancy guppies swim readily in open water, and their tendency to breed easily (producing free, easy food for your cichlids) will tend to pull your cichlids out of hiding.
What is the most challenging part of breeding a cichlid?
The most challenging part of breeding these fish is getting a successful pair. Cichlids are quite intelligent fish, and are also fairly picky; simply putting a male and a female together is no guarantee of a successful bond forming.
Can you put a male and female cichlids together?
Cichlids are quite intelligent fish, and are also fairly picky; simply putting a male and a female together is no guarantee of a successful bond forming. Again, the best route to forming a successful pair is to buy a small group of juveniles (6 seems to be ideal) and allow them to grow up together.
How do you breed African cichlids?
The easiest way to create a breeding group of any particular species is to purchase at least 5 or more juveniles and allow them to grow up together. In some species of African cichlids, the male and female both possess similar coloration (called monomorphic: Ps.
