Magic Number 6

[absolutangel04]

I got 3 rummy nose tetras about a month or so ago. That was all the store had. 2 got along, but didn't like to hang out with the third all the time. Then my lfs got more in so I added 3 more a week or so later. 6 made a perfect school. They schooled tightly and verybody got along. A couple days ago, one died mysteriously (my params are fine, so I am guessing I bought him unhealthy or something). Now, they shunned one of the group again. I am getting another asap. But, from this experience I learned the value of schools of 6. Before, I sort of figured 5 was just as good as 6, but I have changed my mind now! Just sharing what I learned. I know many of you already knew this and I have heard it many times, but this was the first time I saw in practice that having proper schools really can affect behavior!

 

[picture_117]

I saw this with my 6 guppies! It's very interesting to witness.

 

[redruckus]

i seen a school of 30 in a 200gal tank it was un-freeking believable

 

[Puffin]

Interesting to read this. I was about to post a similar thing. We have 4 guppies, 3 are always together but 1 is always left out.
Should we get a couple more then?

 

[Bubble_B0y]

Great thread.
i've always wondered this myself.
It's one of the reasons I try to keep around 8-9 in a school - in case a fish is rejected or dies.


But from experience, 4 is the minimum for a school.
So as long as you keep 4 or more, it should be ok.

 

[absolutangel04]

Great thread.
i've always wondered this myself.
It's one of the reasons I try to keep around 8-9 in a school - in case a fish is rejected or dies.


But from experience, 4 is the minimum for a school.
So as long as you keep 4 or more, it should be ok.

I agree that 4 is the minimum, but I think it depends on the species for if 4 or 6 should be the minimum. My corys do fine in a school of 4, but some of the tighter schoolers seem to need 6. My embers did fine when there were only 3 and now when I only have 2 (I have more on the way). But, the 5 rummies are not a sufficient school. I have heard that about tigers barbs and serpae tetras too, that 4 of them isn't a sufficient school. But, I have enver owned those species.

 

[PaulG5372]

It also depends on the individual temperament of the fish. My danios were happy in a group of four, but they are even happier with seven.

 

[absolutangel04]

So, I got a sixth rummy again today, and now they are back in a perfect little school. The odd-fish-out form before is with them again!