Neons Not Schooling.

[Weiro792]

Hey everyone, so my Neon Tetras have been in the tank a little over two  months now and they're still not actively schooling. They have a tendency to go off on their own and while feeding they school a little bit. But still not to my liking. There are 12 of them so that should be plenty right? Any thoughts?
 
Here's a link to a video. 
 
http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Di_RMskzGU
 
They are schooling better than usual so not a very good example. But they are chasing each other.

 

[fluttermoth]

Freshwater fish only school as defense mechanism, so it's normal for them to form more of a lose group than an actual school.

 

[nortonmad213]

if you want them to school you'll need a larger fish to scare them into schooling,
if they arent shoaling means that they are happy and feel safe.

 

[Ch4rlie]

Could have not put it better than Fluttermoth's comment.
 
I have Threadfin Rainbowfish, these are shoaling fish too but only school tightly when they feel threatened, like me accidentally bumping into tank or shutting tank cabinet door too hard, that sort of thing. (thankfully does not happen much!)
 
I think its a good sign that your fish are relaxed and are at ease when they go off and do their own thing individually.
 
Think this is more relaxing to watch rather than watching them school tightly together, otherwise I start thinking, is there something wrong, whats spooking them etc 

 

[baker360360]

Yep. As said they are feeling safe and relaxed.

 

[Weiro792]

That's what I figured but not only do they not school, there's typically one that hangs out in a certain cave and I'm guessing its the same one. If any of the others come near, it will chase them out. Its just odd behavior I haven't seen from tetras before. But it is good to know they don't seem to mind the angelfish. I've been watching him like a hawk to observe if he starts to chase them.