Dither Fish for African Cichlids

[tetras]

Suggestions? I've seen a number out there including rainbows, tiger barbs, giant danios. I have a 75gal with red zebras, yellow labs and electric blues, lots of rock work. Would like a few dither fish to keep them comfortable/reduce stress.

Appreciate any thoughts

[Mattman]

I used 8 tiger barbs as a starter/dither in my 100 gallon tank. I got some of the more peaceful haps and mbunas from Malawi and 3 barbs still got killed. The other 5 are doing pretty good now that the tank has settled down. Barbs do hang around midwater though so if you use them, expect a few losses. Rainbows and Danios mostly stick close to top water so they should be OK.

[blaciarmd]

Giant danios are the best choice and the cheapest.

[fishandfire]

How many of each type of mbuna do you have. The three types seem like a pretty good mix. What makes you feel that you need dithers?

[Matt Quinn]

I've kept goodeids as dithers for mbuna and smaller haps: Ameca and Ilyodon...

Matt

[phishes]

Congo tetras and tough and beautiful .