Brevis

[Numero111]

I have 2 pairs of Brevis in my 20 long along with a bn pleco and the brevis have been in the tank only 2 weeks. When i approach the tank even slowly they all hide in their shells. Is this normal and if not how can i stop it?

[TangoMIke]

I would try adding some dithers. Some kind of fish that will stay at the top and move around. That will make the shellies more comfortable. There are a lot of options out there I would go with something like zebra danios to school around and coax them out.
MIke

[aquabee]

I absolutely agree with TangoMike. My favorite dither for shellies is the rainbow furcatus (Pseudomugil furcatus). Absolutely gorgeous in alkaline water, very fast, always active, not shy or skittish at all. I had 8 to start off with but because my lid sucks, I now have 2... and my dwarf comps are very shy. Whereas before, with all 8 in there, they were always out and about.

With shellies you can do platies, mollies, various rainbows, white clouds, and danios as Mike said. All are fast enough and will do great in alkaline water.

[cu0ngsayz]

I think that's pretty normal. Fish ranch has like a colony of them and they hide when people walk up.

[aquabee]

I think that's pretty normal. Fish ranch has like a colony of them and they hide when people walk up.

It's normal for shellies to be shy, but you can make them feel more comfortable by adding dither. Mine no longer jump in their shells every time I pass by... they actually stay out now.

[danielp]

Interesting thread.

Haven't thought about ditherfish for my shelly tank.

Might have to start now.

Maybe some colorful platties or such.

[cu0ngsayz]

Or put a colony of tropheus!!!!

[Numero111]

ok i have some zebra danios i can throw in there. Thanks for the help.

[armthehomeless]

My sheelis schooled with my cyps after a while . . . they almost stopped living in their shells.

[eklikewhoa]

All the shelldwellers I have swim in the water column alongside my trophs... I wasted money on shells.