Good afternoon,
-Before I start this discussion I’d like to start with the best definition I found, since I’m quite confused on which species can be labeled such.
“Dither fish are those fish that tell scared, skeptical, or otherwise easily spooked fish that it’s safe to come out.” -Aquarium Addict website
-BACKGROUND: So for my 25 gallon Waterbox Peninsula, I was planning on only owning 1 Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse (Wetmorella nigropinnata) and thanks to VERY helpful individuals (Is @Ting people considered annoying?) I realized I’m gonna need a “dither fish” for it’s long term well being IN ADDITION to adding a lot of soft corals, maintaining a steady pod population, and quarantining to be able to feed prepared foods. The aquarium is located in my room that’s ALWAYS quiet/calm.
-CONCERNS: Are dithering fish to be added before or after your shy fish? Are they only limited to schooling and or mid/upper water column fish or are we just talking about any single outgoing fish that can help? Can these fish be added temporarily and will removing them reverse the effects? Can dithering fish end up being shy (defeating the point of having one)?
-DEBATE/TOP CHOICES: Trying to keep my fish numbers to a minimum so let me know if these could work¿
#1 First and preferred choice is a pink-streak wrasse (Pseudocheilinops ataenia).... a good emotional support friend/lookout? Heard they’re somewhat outgoing and very peaceful¡
Now I’m straying away to even more debatable fish...
#2 Pygmy Coral Croucher (Caracanthus unipinna) that I think would work as a delayed indicator, more than an attentive lookout LOL.
#3 Helfrichi Firefish, (Nemateleotris helfrichi) who’s price isn’t a problem, but definitely more chill than having any of the basslets.
#4 All other fish choices would have to be temporary depending on your input.
-Open to ALL constructive criticism, input, and suggestions. I thought I had my fish situation settled, but WOW has this turned interestingly complex.
Hope everyone who reads/replies has a great rest of the day¡
-Before I start this discussion I’d like to start with the best definition I found, since I’m quite confused on which species can be labeled such.
“Dither fish are those fish that tell scared, skeptical, or otherwise easily spooked fish that it’s safe to come out.” -Aquarium Addict website
-BACKGROUND: So for my 25 gallon Waterbox Peninsula, I was planning on only owning 1 Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse (Wetmorella nigropinnata) and thanks to VERY helpful individuals (Is @Ting people considered annoying?) I realized I’m gonna need a “dither fish” for it’s long term well being IN ADDITION to adding a lot of soft corals, maintaining a steady pod population, and quarantining to be able to feed prepared foods. The aquarium is located in my room that’s ALWAYS quiet/calm.
-CONCERNS: Are dithering fish to be added before or after your shy fish? Are they only limited to schooling and or mid/upper water column fish or are we just talking about any single outgoing fish that can help? Can these fish be added temporarily and will removing them reverse the effects? Can dithering fish end up being shy (defeating the point of having one)?
-DEBATE/TOP CHOICES: Trying to keep my fish numbers to a minimum so let me know if these could work¿
#1 First and preferred choice is a pink-streak wrasse (Pseudocheilinops ataenia).... a good emotional support friend/lookout? Heard they’re somewhat outgoing and very peaceful¡
Now I’m straying away to even more debatable fish...
#2 Pygmy Coral Croucher (Caracanthus unipinna) that I think would work as a delayed indicator, more than an attentive lookout LOL.
#3 Helfrichi Firefish, (Nemateleotris helfrichi) who’s price isn’t a problem, but definitely more chill than having any of the basslets.
#4 All other fish choices would have to be temporary depending on your input.
-Open to ALL constructive criticism, input, and suggestions. I thought I had my fish situation settled, but WOW has this turned interestingly complex.
Hope everyone who reads/replies has a great rest of the day¡