Replacing schooling fish

[Krabaple]

I had 6 white skirt tetras, but 2 recently died. Should I replace the 2 or keep the 4 by themselves? The remaining 4 are just about 1 year old and seem calm without the other 2.

[libertybelle]

As you obviously know from asking the question, they do tend to be more comfortable and be less nippy in larger groups. Do you not have room to add a couple more?

[Krabaple]

I have room to get more. I just didn’t know if introducing new fish after the 4 have been together for a year would be a problem.

[BBradbury]

Hello Kra...

Schooling fish will no longer school once they feel comfortable in their surroundings. Schooling is a defense against predatory fish. You can certainly keep a few Tetras. I've kept one Tetra in a 45 gallon tank for more than a year along with one Zebra Danio. Both are in a Community tank that includes other Tetras, Guppies and some Comet Goldfish.

As long as you keep the water clear of dissolved waste material, the fish will remain healthy.

B

[Krabaple]

Perfect. Thanks everyone!

[libertybelle]

Do keep an eye on them for any aggressive behavior cropping up. Schooling is not exclusively for protection. For nippers; like these guys can be, it’s also about distributing aggression.