Boraras spp. or Pseudomugil Rainbowfish in a lidless tank?

[CichlidFins]

Is it worth keeping rainbows or dwarf species of rasboras in a lidless tank?

I have a 20 gallon tall tank that I think rainbowfish, specifically pseudomugils (furcata or gertrudae?) would suit well. and I was wondering how much they jump. I currently have fish that really spend more time at the bottom and hiding so they arent really jumpers. I keep the water level pretty high and being top dwellers I was wondering if it is worth keeping rainbowfish in a lidless tank, if they would suicide themselves every time, and be a worthless investment.

If you could also provide experiences and opinions on Boraras spp. as well, jumping in a lidless tank.

 

[Lalo J.]

Definitely wouldn't have any rainbowfish without a cap on the tank, I have noticed that mine are very "fast", and they throw themselves on the food aggressively, I don't know, but maybe it is better to prevent with a cap before their great enthusiasm sent them out of the tank.
According to experiences with Boraras spp., I have a friend who keeps Boraras brigittae in a planted tank with dismal results, the fish did not do well in his tank, I suspect it was the chemical conditions, perhaps they were not to his liking . Dario margaritatus were also in his tank, but as I recall, when one fish died, they all began to die and were already fish of considerable size.

 

[fishorama]

Any fish can jump, I've had even tiny loaches do it. It helps to have some plants at the surface so they learn where the top is. I had b. maculata in a topless 10g with a ton of plants, no jumpers.

 

[dougall]

Pseudomolugils are no longer rainbow fish but blue eyes.

I honestly wouldn't be super worried about either jumping, but I generally keep heavily planted tanks so there's plenty of shaded areas or hiding spots.

As noted all fish can jump. Unless the aquarium is magically going to get a lid (or a trip to the store which isn't always magical) I would play it relatively safe, but stay away from wild bettas, killifish, pencilfish etc.

 

[fishorama]

^^ & danios & some others too. You could have a temporary cover or floating plants for a month or 2 until your fish get used to your tank & routine...& as dougall said especially if the fish are wild caught. It's all new to them.

I had a roseline shark jump when I had a fish sitter. They were used to my usual routine, but not someone new I guess. She was able to pick it up & put it back without issues thank goodness.