Are Neon Rainbows schooling fish?

M

Mooch28

AC Members
Dec 24, 2004
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Toronto (Brampton)
Is there a minimum number that must be kept together for their success? I saw some today at the LFS and am thinking of getting some for my 72 gallon community for some action at the top of the tank. Most of my fish are currently bottom dwellers as i have quite a few dwarf chicilids, and will soon be adding more. Anyways, i need to know if having JUST 2 Neon Rainbows will be a problem.

Thanks.
 
Potentially, yes. They do best in a group of 5 or more, with more females than males in a group. Having just pair could result in one male and one female--and she will be pestered endlessly.
 
OrionGirl said:
Potentially, yes. They do best in a group of 5 or more, with more females than males in a group. Having just pair could result in one male and one female--and she will be pestered endlessly.
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How about 1 male too 2 females? Or perhaps just 3 males. I have no plans on breeding them so........
 
RTR said:
Unfortunately, 3 is not a school. Three males will just be a pecking order. Alpha chases beta which turn chases gamma.
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Thanks RTR. I have another question though. What if i were to mix 2 different Rainbow species such as lets say 2 Boesemani Rainbows and 3 Neon Rainbows. Would they school together?
 
I personally don't like mixed schools so have never tried, can't help there. A small all-female group would be more likely to school than an equal number of males, but they are less colorful.
 
I cannot add any experienced advice (I only have a single school of Neon Rainbowfish), but I have read that Rainbowfish will tend to school with similiar species. My LFS specialises in this species and has a large tank (display only) with several different types schooling together beautifully. In my very limited experience, it would appear to be choosing the right sex or getting the balance of the sexes right.
 
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