Zebra Danios And Neon Tetras

[Sbatty]

Hello all,
I have had 6 zebra danios in my 60l tank whilst it was cycling. All my levels were brilliant for a couple of weeks so thought I would up my fish. I bought 6 tetras today, knowing that might be a little much but was worth the risk, but my danios have already killed three of the tetras by nipping and attacking them.

Are these two type of fish compatible? I have read conflicting reports.

Any help would be great.

Thanks

Sarah

 

[Bugdozer]

Given that the danios have murdered the tetras, the question "are they compatible" seems to be answerable with "not in your tank."

 

[Gvilleguy]

But normally, no, there should not be problems with Zebras and Neons. I have had them together for 2 years now, and have never seen a danio going after a neon other than a momentary chase.

 

[Sbatty]

Given that the danios have murdered the tetras, the question "are they compatible" seems to be answerable with "not in your tank."

I didn't mean just in my tank, it's pretty much a given that they are not getting on in my tank.

But normally, no, there should not be problems with Zebras and Neons. I have had them together for 2 years now, and have never seen a danio going after a neon other than a momentary chase.

Maybe it was because they were tiny neons. Not sure what to do next with the danios. Don't want to buy other fish just to have they attacked by them. The larger neons are still alive so we will see what happens over night...

 

[justin85]

I have kept but neons and zebras together with no problems at all, was in a bigger tank tho.

 

[fluttermoth]

Have you tested your water, OP, and how long has the tank actually been set up?

I'd be more inclined to suspect either raised ammonia/nitrite levels, as you've doubled your stocking in one go, or just an immature tank; neons are notorious for doing very poorly in new tanks, even if they're properly cycled.

I can't imagine zebras would actually kill neons, although nearly all fish will attack or pick at fish that are already sick (or dead)

They normally do get on, although their actual tank requirements are different. Zebras don't do so well in normal tropical temperatures, they're really more of a temperate fish.

 

[panda_cory]

I would leave it a week and see. If after a week the larger neons are ok then you might get away with buying some more neons as long as they are quite big.

 

[Sbatty]

My levels have been good for a few weeks now, no ammonia, no nitrates (are those the bad one's or am I confused, when I have the test with me I know what I'm testing) 40ppm for the good nit one's. My pH is 8.2, which is high but so it the water out the tap.

I actually saw the danios attacking the neons. And I know danios prefer cooler temps but they seem to be coping with ~23°C, keeping it cooler in the tropical range. I also know adding 6 fish was a bad move as having 6 in there already, ideally 3 would have been best. I just think that the neons where too small. The glowlight tetra's are all still alive and feeding and even chasing the danios.

Thanks for the comments

 

[Gvilleguy]

Well I hope the danios will settle down and start behaving themselves!

GVG