Neon Tetras Arent Schooling

[Emily6235]

I've had 10 neon tetras for about two weeks now and everyone seems to be doing great but the fish are no longer schooling. They just kind of dart about in their own area of the tank and will occasionally join up with three or so. They all are eating and bright, no hiding.. Its just weird. Do they only school under a predatory threat or something similar?

Dunno if it matters but tank is 20 gallons
Ammonia 0
Nitrites 0
Nitrates 5ppm
Ph 7.4

1platy
3 false julii cories

Heavily planted

 

[phantomlink]

Neons tend to stop schooling once they are familiar of their tank and not so scared anymore. They're still bright coloured so they're healthy that we can tell so far

 

[Emily6235]

Ok, I'm glad it means they're getting used to things!

 

[Chad]

If I'm not mistaken the neon is a shoaling fish and not a schooling fish so that would explain why what phantomlink says is true.

 

[Emily6235]

Whats the difference between shoaling and schooling?

 

[Chad]

Basically, shoaling fish come together when they need to, for protection and often during feeding time. The rest of the time they do their own thing and don't hang out. Schooling fish are always swimming together even when there is no danger or food.

 

[phantomlink]

http/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoaling_and_schooling

 

[Emily6235]

Ok, that makes sense and fits their behavior perfectly. So like danios ae more of a schooling fish? I guess my hopes of a bright little tetra pack must fall by the wayside lol poor things must be terrified at the lfs, they look like schoolers there.

Perfect link, thanks.

 

[Chad]

Exactly! They have reason to stay together in the LFS. Cardinals are better for schooling behavior or green neons as well. I believe danio are shoaling.

 

[msasa19]

i wondered this when i got my neons, and also was a bit worried, but they are all good the only time they are together is when im messing about in the tank