Dithers with rams

[Rich]

I plan to keep one pair of blue rams in a 29 gal planted tank. I was planning on using a school of tetras (cardinals, neons or green fire most likely) as dithers since they are found with the rams in their natural habitat. I have read several posts on this forum however specifically warning against using tetras as dithers since they will eat any fry that manage to hatch. Typical recommendations appear to be pencil fish and/or hatchet fish.

I'd like to hear more details about what dither fish work well and which ones don't in a tank with rams or apistos. Information about other tank mates such as ottos or corys is also welcome.

 

[Daryl]

It depends if you plan on breeding and raising fry... If you want to let the parents raise the fry in that tank it may be better to avoid tetras as they can/will eat whatever they can - and they can be good hunters!

If you don't care if you lose fry, or plan to siphon out the fry to a seperate tank then I'd say go with the tetras!

 

[Rich]

Well, ideally I would like for the parents to raise up a bunch of fry themselves if they will. I have read that tank raised rams make particularly bad parents so I figured I would try to aquire a pair of wild rams. So I guess the tetras would not be a good idea.

Any other suggestions for suitable tank mates?