24" -- room for neon tetras to school?

[cawaltons]

Thanks, everyone, for your advice earlier this month. I got the ghost shrimp and they did a great job on the algae, except for some reddish spots on my sword plant and one decoration.

Having read Robert Ricketts article on "Schooling Fish and Schooling Behavior," I am wondering about the chances for schooling in my tallish 24 gal tank. It is 24" wide -- do you think Neon Tetras will school?

Still haven't decided about adding the kuhli loaches. I am intimidated by the thought of adding sand to the substrate for them. (THe water is still clearing from the driftwood!)

 

[Leopardess]

Well, generally the larger the tank, the more schooling will occur. However, most fish will stop their schooling activities once they are acclimated to the tank and tankmates. Schooling is an instinctive behavoir that helps keep them safe from predators. If the fish feel safe and happy, the strong desire to stick together backs down a little bit. If you see fish that aren't schooling, it generally means they are quite content (or that they're all sick!)

This doesn't mean that when you clean the tank or if one of them gets spooked that they won't revert to one big bunch, though.

By keeping a few med-large (but still peaceful) fish, such as pearl gouramis, it can help induce them to school...

By and large, you won't see the tight schooling you expect without having a massive tank.

 

[cawaltons]

Thanks!

If you see fish that aren't schooling, it generally means they are quite content (or that they're all sick!)

By keeping a few med-large (but still peaceful) fish, such as pearl gouramis, it can help induce them to school...

I guess I equated schooling with comfort, but as long as they aren't schooling because they feel cramped, that's fine.

Thanks!