Will Differant Tetras Shoal Together?

[verdamper]

Hi

I need some info on tetras! I have a 15 gallon tank which is currently cycling. Onced fully cycled i want to put some tetras in the tank between six and eight. I was wondering if differnt tetras will shoal together or do they need to be of the same type?

for example

2 cardinal tetras
2 black neon tetra
2 glowlight tetra
2 silvertipped tetra

i know that they are all compatiable, but not sure if they would shoal together like 8 cardinals on there own for example?

any help will be much appretiated

cheers

 

[fishwatcher]

They might at first, since they'll be a little skittish settling in, but probably not in general. Since they are similar in size though for the most part, you may have a little better chance at it. I have (5) cardinals and (5) rummynoses, and though they hang out a little, the rummynoses are the only ones that school constantly. The cardinals swim around fairly loosely since they've settled in well. If you are really after the schooling effect then I'd go with 1 kind.

 

[xostrawberryox]

be careful with tetras in a new tank, neons particularly prefer mature tanks and are not very hardy at all. very sensitive to nitrites in particular

 

[Bignose]

Visual cues are primary as to how the fish knows how to school. Shape is a big factor, the fish prefers to be with fish like its own shape. Color morphs still prefer their own species because they share the same shape. That said, coloring is another important factor, like the color of a fin or eye or stripe.

Fish would much, much rather school with fish that are the same shape and coloring, that is, their own species.

Given a choice not to school and to school with dislike shapes and colors, schooling tends to win out, especially when frightened. But, there is a very strong preference to like shapes and colors.

 

[sylvia]

I wouldn't try what you are suggesting. Being in a new tank is already stressful - not having others of your kind makes it worse.

Also, the silver-tipped tetras are the ones least likely to school with the others - the neons, cardinals and glowlights may well swim together. Tetras also have complicated hierarchical systems and having just two wont allow them to establish stable hierarchies. You won't get full-blown fights with most tetras but nipping and harassment leads to stress and that can lead to disease.

Having said that, I'd get some hardier small fish for your tank and avoid the neons and cardinals. Glowlights should be alright but have you considered perhaps getting some endler's livebearers instead? What about sparkling gouramies (a trio would work) or honey gouramies (also in a trio) or maybe some pygmy cories or a small school of spotted rasboras? These are all tiny fish and, for the most part, hardier. You can create quite a nice little combination of species like that and not need a big tank.

edit: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showto...116208&st=0 For some ideas. Even if you are specificaly after tetras, its best to go for one of the small species and get a moderately-sized shoal and then add some different species than to try to combine two of several tetra species.

 

[verdamper]

Thanks for the help guys i think im gonna reconsider the tetras!! I only thought of tetras because i thought they were some of the smallest tropical fish you could buy!! I really like the look of endlers livebeares!! thanks again