Dither Fish for Honduran Red Points

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Analog Saint

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Aug 25, 2004
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I've had mixed opinions when asking people on this, as some people believe Red Points are simply a color variant of Convict, and some believing they are a separate and somewhat related and less aggressive central american species which inhabits a similar range as the convict.

The Situation: 2 x 1.5" Honduran Redpoint proven pair in a 25g with nice rockwork, driftwood, and plantage. However they're extremely jumpy and timid, and I was wondering if I should use dither fish... However, if Red Points are as as aggressive as convicts, this would be an unfortunate move, as the dither fish would undoubtedly be bullied relentlessly, probably to death.

Questions:
Can anyone attest firsthand to the temperment of Hondurans?
Would they leave the top strata alone?
Would dither fish help?
What kind if applicable?
 
Dithers would definetly help in your situation. I use Metynsis (Silver Dollars) with alot of my cichlid tanks. With a fish the size of an HRP, you could use Giant Danios or any other fact moving schooling fish. One of the other benefits of adding dither fish is tha they will strengthen the pair bond of your breeding fish...something to "protect" their fry from.

In my experieince, HRP's are not as aggressive as the Convicts. RIght now I have several in a 75 gallon grow out tank with a batch of Convicts. They hold their own. Their are several people on my forum as well as myself that have kept HRP's. Very pretty fish.
 
i concur

hello,

i agree with the giant danio choice but would also suggest any of the larger (meaning 2"+) rasboras, as they are similarly fast and are usually fun, colorful and hardy fish.

~skap
 
I use Buenos Aries tetras with my spilurum, there grrreat. BTW do you know the species name on this "Red point", thats what they call nigrofaciatum in Nicaragua(punta roja).
 
I think the species name is still in debate, as some believe they are a colour variant of Archocentrus/Cryptoheros Nigrofasciatus (Convict Cichlid).

I added some large rosy tetras in, and the pair have been less skittish... They have dug out a cave under a piece of driftwood and may be holding a clutch of eggs! The male has been charging at any tetra that comes too near the driftwood, but otherwise leaving them alone. If the tetras get harassed too much, I always have a 10g cycled and will soon have a 20L for em.

They had some beautiful Congo Tetras that caught my eye, but they wanted $35 for a quartet of em... Didn't have that kinda cash on hand, so I got the rosies.
 
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