Does Shoaling/schooling Behavior Fade Over Time?

[pkppv]

In my experience, I have noticed that many of my shoaling fish start out in very tight, beautiful schools, as if they were a single animal. Then, they seem to slowly get away from this behavior, and the school because less and less compact until they become completely unattached individuals who swim around the tank like they had never been shoaling/schooling fish to begin with.

Is this because they get used to the tank? Because they feel safe so they don't need to swim in a group any longer? Something else?

 

[This Old Spouse]

The main reason fish shoal is to protect themselves, so if they're not, they're feeling nice and comfy at home.

 

[pkppv]

Glad to hear it!