Aren't they one of the most beautiful looking small fishes? I have kept these guys twice.
The first time it was in a group of 6-8 can't recall it has been a long time back. Didn't see them very much. They love to hide when they think they are being watched. They died off over a year or so, still had a couple.
Then wanted to try them again. Bought another 6.
From a hobbyist moving overseas I picked up around 12. They swim fast and in a densely planted tank it was difficult to find and count them but the total was 18-21.
They hid ALL the time. It looked like I had a planted tank with no fish.
I could watch them playing and frolicking 20 feet across the living room but if I got up to watch them, it seemed there was one or 2 which would take turns coming out to look around. Bummer.
Then I read later there was another fish which would act as a dither fish and help it feel less scared of being out in open water. Furcata Rainbows were what the people stated helped them reduce their shyness.
My CPD were in a 12G and also a larger tank as and it didn't seem to matter. They were usually kept by themselves in regard to fish, and then with Boraras Brigittae and still acted shy.
It may also have something to do with if they are wild caught or tank raised. Not positive. The ones at a local fish store are all over the tank and there are some other fish in the tank as well, not shy!!!
Love them but would need to have them be more social to keep them again as I don't have as many tanks to take care of now and would like to SEE my fish,
They are good little hunters and were always stalking/searching for tiny prey in the moss and plants. Reason why my shrimp population didn't grow very fast in their tank! The fish didn't seem to bother the adults or larger juveniles.