Schooling Fish For 15 Gallon?

[Jazziecatz]

I want a schooling fish that can fit in 10" deep by 20" long by 18" tall.  Thanks!

 

[the_lock_man]

With what you've already got in the tank, there isn't anything really, that won't take you overstocked, imho.
 
However, there are a number of small fish, such as Celestial Pearl Danios, Chilli Rasbora, Dwarf Emerald Rasbora, Salt & Pepper Corydoras, that would go happily in a 15gallon.

 

[Jazziecatz]

OK ill look into those.  Thanks!

 

[fluttermoth]

You really would be better off rehoming your tiger barbs (lovely tough they are); they do grow quite big and do best in larger groups. They're also very difficult to mix with other fish.
 
Then you could get a decent sized shoal of one of the fish TLM has listed.

 

[Jazziecatz]

Should I return the tiger barbs to the store?  My 15 gallon is the biggest I have.  I dont want them to go back to the store though the stores conditions are cruel.  

I'll just keep the 4 I have maybe get 1-2 more and just have a tiger barb tank.

 

[fluttermoth]

You could just have tigers yes; might be better that way, and they are a handsome, interesting fish.

 

[Jazziecatz]

Yeah I love the tiger barbs.  I have to say they are actually my favorite fish!  They are just so fun to watch and they are extremely active.

 

[fluttermoth]

I love them too, but they are thugs to other fish (and each other!).

 

[Jazziecatz]

Is it normal for them to pair off I just noticed like literally 5 seconds ago 2 swimming on one side and 2 swimming together on the other.  They dont seem to be very tight schoolers. 

 

[fishy_wishy]

I have 10 neon tetras in my tank, they usually swim together and don't usually grow more than about an inch so would be happy in a 15 gallon

 

[tmoney7]

True fishy but the only problem with neons is that they really need a larger tank because they need the length to be able to swim back and forth.  So yes they may not be that large but their habits are what makes them need a larger tank.
 
Jazzie as far as small fish i have 6 pygmy corys in my 10 gal.  They are not schooling fish but are shoaling instead.  So, they will swim together at times and then at other times they will go off in smaller groups or even single groups.  Corydora hastatus would work as well.

 

[Tongue_Flicker]

Things you should take note when thinking of stocking up is if whether or not, all the water levels are occupied. Since you have a small tank, with future big barbs that most stay in mid-strata level, you should consider getting something that will group in either the top level or the bottom strata dwellers. For this matter, a group of corydoras would ne best like tmoney said

 

[Jazziecatz]

Whats the diffrerence between schoolers and shoalers.

 

[Ch4rlie]

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/103438-shoaling-or-schooling/

 

[tmoney7]

So in a nut shell the corys wont always be together but might be off in smaller groups but they do come together as a whole at times.