dither fish question for Dicrossus filamentosus

[Lucas Stamford]

Here is my doubts about a situation with dither fish

I'm new and enjoying very much the ride to the world of south american dwarf cichlids! I recently started a project with a pair of Dicrossus filamentosus. My intention is breeding, to be able to see the full spectrum of behaviors the fish can perform. The tank volume is around 12 gallons (48L), with a foot-print of aprox. 16"x12" (40cmx30cm) and 16" height. Not a big tank, but it is what I can fit in the apartment right now and I think appropriate for a single pair to do its business.

The thing is I think the fish benefit from a group of small tetras as dither fish, so I added a group of 6 green neons (Paracheirodon simulans). I'd think the neons encourage the pair to be more adventurous and stimulated to search for dry food more promptly. They would typically occupy different spaces, with the Dicrossus pair dwelling on the bottom third and neons with the middle-top third. My worry is that, being relatively tight quarters, they would be too close and Dicrossus would not be able to defend fry from predation.

I already had one spawn, only two weeks in the tank, but it was not successful as the eggs disappeared prior to hatching. I didn't blame the small tetras in this case since I seen the place of the nest and it was unlikely for the neons to visit. But instead I think the eggs were eaten by one of the parents or one other male that was in the tank at that time from the original group I started with to see who would form a pair. Maybe the female was stressed out by me constantly trying to pull out the extra fish from the group to let the pair alone. I had one extra male that resisted arrest very much but now after that only the two Dicrossus filamentosus that bounded with each other reign in company only of the 6 neons.

so I'm asking for advice and opinions on the subject of keeping the neons as dither fish in this configuration, if they will be mostly safe for fry or not! what would you think about it?
Should I take the neons out and leave the tank just for the pair, no dither fish?

Thank you very much for all help,

lucas

(picture from the first try - not successful)

(what the setup looks like)

 

[Aquaticloch]

In a 12 gallon i wouldn't risk it, fry predation with neons and other such tetras is a common occurrence, i'm not sure if they ate the discrossus eggs or not but they likely would eat the fry.

Many dwarf cichlid keepers prefer nannostomus species as dithers because they are less predatory and are much slower than the tetras.

I hope this helps,

 

[Lucas Stamford]

i'm not sure if they ate the discrossus eggs or not but they likely would eat the fry.

I'm pretty sure the first eggs were not eaten by the neons because the leaf was positioned in such a manner that seemed out of their range so to speak

but examining more their agility I'm tending to follow the advice of pulling them out! Thank you

 

[MacZ]

Neons are fry predators, but I doubt they go for the eggs. If your goal is actually breeding and raising fry, they have to go. If not, leave them in.

As dithers Nannostomus are indeed best. N. marginatus or N. eques would be good if you have no experience with pencils yet.

 

[Lucas Stamford]

I will wait for the store to see when they have some nannostomus and make the change, but for now I think I will setup a spare tank for those neons and leave the pair alone.

In addition, lately I noticed the male have been showing more discontent for the presence of the neons, trying to keep them away. It is maybe a sign that they don't consider their presence good. I believe the fish instincts may be telling it will be no good for fry with the neons around.

again thanks everyone! i'm new to this forum and it is great to chat with more experienced keepers! and sorry if my english is a bit rusty

 

[MacZ]

In addition, lately I noticed the male have been showing more discontent for the presence of the neons, trying to keep them away. It is maybe a sign that they don't consider their presence good. I believe the fish instincts may be telling it will be no good for fry with the neons around.

Correct. But he will also chase away pencils if they come to close, even when they are not a thread.

 

[Lucas Stamford]

Quick update:

I removed the neons and the Dicrossus went for another try! female is current guarding the nest, in different location. male seems to be fairly intimidated by her agressive displays against him and keeping good distance.

Wish me luck!