Schooling = How many fishes?

[Mulla]

Hi

Been reading up on the fish database over here and different fishes in the forums. I have been noticing that many of them are of the schooling type but just how many do I need to keep for them to be happy?

I've read some say 3 some say 4 etc. I know probably more the better but what's a safe number?

Thanks in advance.

[aquatrippe]

I always considered a school a group of 7 or more.. although sometimes that isn't practical.. I think it depends on the fish you are talking about..neons and cardinals for example seem to do best in a group of at least 5

with other of the smaller characins.. I would also say at least 5..although I am sure people have kept them successfully in smaller groups..
\.

[aquatix02]

i would say that the generally acceptable number is 6. though this may vary according to fish type. for eg, the fin-nipping tiger barb may require at least 10 so that they are happy and do not bother other fishes.

also, if you want them to school 3 factors consider are:
1. sufficient space (large enough tank)
2. possibly some larger peaceful fish to give them a perceived threat (schooling in response to the threat, some ppl say that open spaces have the same effect)
3. sufficient numbers (6 as mentioned)

hope this helps!

[Slappy*McFish]

The more the merrier..keep as many as your tank will allow.

[Mulla]

Thanks all for your input. Hm. So maybe 5 - 7 would be a good starting number.

Are there any ill effects if only say 1 - 2 of these fishes were kept in a tank? Will they become stressed and die?!

Newbie still trying to decide on what sorts of fishes to keep :confused:

[optix]

yeah it'd be highly stressful for them and that would be the opening door for disease and other badies while their immune system is down from the stress.

[mogurnda]

Are there any ill effects if only say 1 - 2 of these fishes were kept in a tank? Depends on the fish. Few schooling fish will show themselves well when in groups smaller than 5. They will often be timid, and they won't color up properly. More aggressive species, like barbs, normally set up a pecking order, which distributes the aggression through the group. If the group is too small, one or two fish take a pounding and may be killed.

There are always exceptions, but why gamble on having an exception? If your tank is small, there are lots of small tetras, for example, that will make a nice school.

[Mulla]

Thanks for the tips / info.

Think I'll not bother with schooling fish for now since my tank is relatively small 25g?? (50L).

Rather have a few different ones rather than a group of the same.

[TomFromStLouis]

By my math a 50 liter tank is closer to maybe 12 gallons. Pretty small for a school of any but the smallest schoolers. But they can still be fun - 6 or 7 neons in a 12g planted tank = cool.