Could a betta fish be used as a dither fish?

[firemouth143]

Could I use a betta fish as a dither for a firemouth. There are better dither fish out there, but their all schooling fishes and dart around like crazy. I prefer a more calming tank with slow swimmers that can be by itself.

36 gallon
The tank will only have 3 fishes.
1 betta
1 firemouth
1 dojo loach

Also, would a blue gourami get along in the tank with the betta.

 

[DragonFish71]

You don't want to mix a betta or a gourami with a cichlid. Firemouths are very aggressive fish. They hardly tolerate being kept together. Also, the dojo with the firemouth would be questionable.


Cichlids should be with cichlids.

 

[firemouth143]

From what I research firemouth are fairly peaceful and they shouldn't be kept with other cichlids.

In the past, I kept a firemouth with 3 giant danio and 1 bamboo shrimp. There were no problems.

Anybody else with a different viewpoint?

 

[DragonFish71]

Giant danio can work fine, they are faster than the firemouths. I kept firemouths with my giant danios and tiger barbs. However, a betta would not work with one. The flowing fins would be a target, not to mention the size difference.


And fyi, I breed firemouth cichlids. I have more than enough experience. So I suggest you google more about firemouths and their temperments, and what is compatible before you imply someone doesn't have experience because they tell you it's a bad combination you're planning. Oh, and google dither fish as well. They are used when you are breeding fish.

 

[firemouth143]

I'm not doubting your words nor trying to offend you. I just want to hear other people's experiences.

Another question, would blue gourami (or any of the 3 spotted ones) be compatible with a betta fish as tankmates?

 

[bluerose]

Bettas are really dependent on individuals. I had a female betta who never even blinked at other fish or shrimp in her tank and would hang out with them. My current female spent quite a few days with a divider up before she was allowed out with the other fish and I put in a ton of hiding places. She immediately ate all the snails... (I have cardinal tetras in with her as well as amano shrimp-- the shrimp are as big as she is, and faster.)

Frankly, the betta should be the most aggressive species in the tank, and no fin-nippers with males. You'll have the least problems that way.