Tetras?

[DavidK]

I have a quesiton about the social behaviors of Tetras. I have three tetras that were the first fish in my tank. Apparently, rather than being a schooling fish as I expected they seem to pair off. So I have two of the three which have paired off and stay together all the time. The third is a loner.

I'm wondering if it would be wise for me to add a 4th tetra for the loner to pair off with and if I were to add a stranger would that be likely to even happen.

 

[TwoHobbies]

Generally speaking, with tetras, more is better. I have 9 black neon's, and its not oncommon for 5-6 of them to school, but without a threat in my tank they are more offten just hanging out.

I would add 1 to 6 more if you have room, tho there's no guarantee you won't have another loner. Its kind of a crap shoot.

 

[malkore]

I tend to recommend 4 of any given tetra species so they have enough friends to feel secure. they are a schooling fish and while they don't always swim as a tight group, they shouldn't ostracize one fish either.

 

[Menagerie]

Before we can advise you, we need to know what tetras do you have? I am not familiar with Cherry tetras and a search gave me cherry barbs and neon tetras Since these are going in a 20 gallon tank, you need to decide if they are going to be the focus of your tank.

Apparently, rather than being a schooling fish as I expected they seem to pair off.

Schooling fish will only school when there is danger. When they feel safe, they’re all over the place.
The advice I always heard is tetras are best in odd groups and more often than not, the more the better. What do you see as the final fish list for this tank?