Perhaps we should go back further and define what are dither fishes. I suspect that there may be more than one reason for keeping dither fish.
Dither fish - Fish added to an aquarium with shy or nervous fish. The dither fishes' unconcerned behavior signals to the shy fish that it is safe to come out of hiding, and/or that it is safe to breed. Compare Target Fish.
Dither fish, such as Tetras, are highly recommended for tanks containing dwarf Geophagines, and may also help to calm large Geophagines and encourage breeding.
Breeding ...
A- Dither fish also serve as a warning to your cichlids of approaching danger.
Spotter or Dither fish are fish that tend to stay out in the open and other timid fish like to have around them as it makes them feel safer and more prone to come out into the open.
I found that dither fish, such as giant danios are very very quick fish and the clown knives cannot keep up with them at all. Also large silver dollars or pacu can become tank mates.
I would submit that if the well being of our angel is the primary concern, then most species should be the first fish added to the display tank - with the possible exception of a few dither fish such as Chromis virids.
it is very helpful to have dither fish like giant danios and other fish in theyre tank in order to keep the pair bonded. this is theoretically done because the pair will defend theyre area together, wich helps the bond at the same time.
One hobbyist suggested putting dither fish in the tank to help prevent the parents from eating their young.
Others of the same species will act as dither fish for the pair you want to breed, which can help reduce aggression between the mated pair.
Dither fish, that are fast and agile, are often used to spead out the aggression of this fish. These fish can be somewhat peaceful, depending on the fish, but for the most part, are very aggressive, especially if breeding.
Julidochromis can be shy in the aquarium and the use of dither fish may reduce their tendency to remain hidden. Despite this, they tend to be territorial and, like many Rift Lake cichlids, aggressive.
Although danios, barbs and rainbowfish are sometimes suggested as dither fish to draw cichlids from hiding or target fish for reducing aggression among cichlids, we don't recommend that these species be subjected to the aggression of cichlids.
As I've mentioned, they are a little timid but active dither fish tempers this; they don't however appear to be equally settled by larger fish.
They are often used as "dither fish" to distract bigger, more aggressive fish. These guys make a great community fish and fish for beginners. They require a tank of at least 10 gallons preferable more.
Possible Tank Mates: Best left as the only cichlid species in the tank with some dither fish such as rainbow fish.
Aquarium hobbyists have had success using Rosy Barbs as a dither fish in Cichlid tanks.
Care: Rather difficult fish to keep. Wildcaught fish are usually very shy, but when bred in an aquarium most of this shyness disappears. Still densely planted tanks are recommended, as well as the combination with dither fish.
Temperature:23-25 ...
species such as angels, discus or gourami due to its boisterous activity and aggressive feeding habits [see comments under Diet] but only with similarly non-aggressive characins, rasbora, small barbs, danio, catfish and loaches. A good dither fish ...
We keep these as dither fish, and they've proven to be especially valuable as target fish as well, since they were often seen scuffling with the Rhamphochromis.
Shoals of tetras or similar will act as dither fish, making the discus feel more safe in their surroundings
Tank Set-up : Discus certainly don't require bare tanks, and furnished display aquarium may even be advantageous.
 See also: Fish, Water, Cichlid, Species, Cichlids
  
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