Stressed swordtail & stocking?

[cee219]

One of my newly added female red velvet swordtails is hiding behind a plant near the bottom of the tank, she is keeping her fins close to her body. When I was bringing her home yesterday, she stayed at the bottom of the bag and rarely moved. The fish guy said this was normal since swords get stressed. Is it normal for swords to hide anyways? My other male seems to quite a bit also. The only other fish in my 55g are 7 Zebra Danios.

I had originally intended to fill out the rest of my tank with a school of 8 Tiger Barbs, but since they took up half of my tank's allowed space, I'm rethinking it and my mom just found out they are "mean" (ill-deserved) and no longer wants them. There is no convincing her.

Anyone have any good suggestions? My water is rather hardish and basic.
I currently hae 3 Zebras, 3 Swords (may get some more soon), and plan on having at least 6 corys plus a bristlenose pleco.

Thanks!

 

[Meredith]

How was she at the store? Did you notice if she was swimming and active? It may be that she just needs more time to adjust to new home, but I would keep a close eye on her. Is your tank cycled?

 

[cee219]

When I observed the fish in the tank they all seemed to be acting normally and looking healthy, the store had just got them in that morning, so she's been through alot.

I'm beginning to think the Danios are just giving my new swords more attention than they'd like.

Thanks for your help though!