Neons Picking On Each Other?

[Trollfest]

I have 5 neon tetras and a male betta in a 63l tank. Noticed earlier today part of the end of the tail was missing on one of the tetras. Almost sure there is no aggression from the betta, he basically ignores them and they move out of his way if he goes near them.

Just been watching them now and notice a lot of bickering between the tetras, mostly instigated by the injured one who is very slightly smaller than the others. Would they fight and injure each other?

 

[arobinson1984]

Possibly the neons, but I wouldn't rule out the betta.

Most aggression occurs on a night time when the lights are off and most of the fish are in a calm 'sleepy' mood

Andy

 

[Trollfest]

Oh dear. I feel really sad if it's the betta as he seems so 'nice' when he might actually be a big bully boy as soon as I've gone to bed. He's getting his own place soon anyway.

 

[waterdrop]

Five, as I'm sure you know, is also a bit small for a neon shoal and will leave them a bit nippy at times. With each added tetra.. 6, 7, 8, the shoal will become better behaved and more natural. I realize the 63L/10G crimps your stocking plans quite a bit but it doesn't change the reality of the shoaling behavior aspect. Also, each bit of added size to the shoal will possibly have an added safety effect relative to the betta, although it probably wouldn't completely take away that problem and I suppose might even crowd him a bit more.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[Trollfest]

I'm moving the betta as soon as his new tank has cycled, because of lack of compatible of tank mates. After that thought about a couple more neons, a pair of dwarf gouramis (male and female) and 3 octoclinus. Does that sound sensible?

(63l is 16US gallons)