[Perocore]

About two weeks ago I purchased three neon tetras at Walmart. One never made it into the bag (which infuriated me when I found out I'd been charged for a fish I never received) so now I just have two. They're doing well with their betta, shrimp, and cat fish tank mates, but they will not stop bickering!

I know with many communal fish you need at least three so that they can form a proper pyramid, so to speak, so I was wondering if this is the problem. I am planning on picking up another neon tetra tomorrow, with hopes that it will help balance out the power struggle.

Do you guys think this will work? I don't like seeing my two tetras constantly fighting each other.

Thanks,
Pero

 

[jayr232]

Actually they need a group of atleast 5 but I suggest to get more. 5 is actually pushing the limits

 

[jaysee]

I know with many communal fish you need at least three....

6 is widely considered to be the minimum for schooling fish.

How large is the tank?

 

[Perocore]

It's not listed as a 10 gallon but the dimensions make up the same swimming space as a 10 gallon. I already have a betta, two shrimp, a snail, and a baby catfish in there so I really would not like to have more than three maybe four tetras total.

 

[jaysee]

Well, in my opinion the best thing to do would be to return them. I don't believe it's right to compromise the way in which the fish are kept in order to make them fit into a tank. If you can't or won't keep a proper school, then you aren't likely to see any change in their behavior. We all make compromises though, and we all draw the line somewhere.