Ideal Shoal Size?

[CezzaXV]

Hello all,

A quick question (I hope!)

I've been doing some research into various species online. However, I've yet to find a website that clearly lists for each species what their ideal shoal size would be (ie. Do they like being in a shoal, should they be kept alone, pairs, trios etc). Does anyone know a good reference site that lists this stuff?

I only have a 60L tank, so space is somewhat at a premium. I'm trying to find species which can be kept in relatively small groups so I can maximise the number of species I can have without going over capacity.

 

[StandbySetting]

6 Is generally the minimum number for shoaling/schooling species, though to get a real good effect 20+ is good.

 

[MBOU]

Depends on species really...

-gouramis, cichlids (rams etc)are better in pairs (though gouramis can go higher)
-livebearers can be kept in trios or more, at least 1(male):2(female) but in 60L i'd just get all males, much easier and they do great without females.
-tetras, rasbora, danios etc i'd say 6 is a minimum...

I guess with all the smaller more obviously shoaling fish, most would shoal in their hundreds or more so obviously... the more you have... the better.

That why its better having less species and more of the species you do get, so maybe a shoal of 15, a pair of otocinclus algae eaters and a display pair of something nice like dwarf, honey, croaking gouramis etc and maybe a few shrimp?

 

[Rickzayne]

Sorry to hijack,

But I bought 3 pearl gourami... Not sure on sex's tho.. Should I get a 4th? My tank is 180l

 

[fishprotector]

As already has been said, I have always though that 6 is the normal 'minimum' for most shoaling fish.

I have got 15 black ruby barbs in my 300l Cichlid tank and they are shoaling well and colouring up nicely. I might increase it to 21 soon though (space permitting) to get an even more natural effect.