I currently have 6 neon tetras in my 35G tank. I want to get more for them to school better. Do I have to get neon tetras? or can I get black tetras and expect them to school together?
I currently have 6 neon tetras in my 35G tank. I want to get more for them to school better. Do I have to get neon tetras? or can I get black tetras and expect them to school together?
In addition to my 6 neons, I also have 5 rainbows, 3 cories, about 10 guppy fries growing up quickly, and 1 bn place. My tank is heavily planted though Posted via Mobile Device
In my tank, all 3 tetra species (black neons, neons and flames) stick with their own kind. Black neons will not school with regular neons. They don't even occupy the same region in the tank. Black neons are mid to top and neons are mid to low.
Assuming that by "schooling" you means swim throughout the tank together in a group formation, the answer is mainly no. But will they mingle, yes.
Shoaling fish are not strictly speaking schooling fish like many marine species. Freshwater fish that shoal must have a group, six is usually considered minimum, but the more the better. It adds security, which reduces stress and possible aggression [even in "peaceful" fish], and some species have social interactions within their group. They may sometimes swim together, many times not. Other similar species may sometimes join them. Quite often they just "hang out" somewhere, and fish frequently have their favourite spots dependant upon light intensity, water flow from the filter, plant or other cover, and other species in the tank with behaviours that influence them somehow.
After giving it some more thought, I've decided to let my guppy babies grow up to adult size first, then reevaluate the stocking situation to see if I should get more neons.
Ed.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Tropical Fish Keeping
597.8K posts
83.7K members
Since 2006
forum community dedicated to tropical fish owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about species,breeding, health, behavior, aquariums, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! Open to fish, plants and reptiles living in freshwater or saltwater environments.