even vs odd numbered schools?

[Davy]

so whats better? odd or even numbered schools or shoals?

 

[jm1212]

for community fish, it come down to personal preference really.

for some fish like pearl gouramis, it is best to keep the fish in a 1m:2f ratio, so odd numbers would be used.

 

[Davy]

well i was thinking of fish like white clouds, neon tetras, or zebra danios. fish like that. sexual dimorphism (i think i used that word right?) is slight.

 

[Polish]

Once fish start breeding it's impossible to keep count. I have no idea how many fish are even in my 75g at this point.

 

[Hurley]

well i was thinking of fish like white clouds, neon tetras, or zebra danios. fish like that. sexual dimorphism (i think i used that word right?) is slight.

For fish like that I keep them in odd numbers but thats just my personal preference. I don't know if they do better in odd numbers or even or if it even matters. I suspect in schools where the fish aren't bugging each other out, either way would be fine. Otherwise go with 2 females:1 male.

 

[DAVIDFBT]

Well, in the wild, what makes a difference: 539 Neon tetras in a school or 538? But in an aquarium, I would go with an even number.

 

[jpappy789]

Are we talking total or male to female ratio?

I usually like to keep totals even but that's just me. For fish like white clouds, neon tetras, or zebra danios it honestly makes no difference as long as you have a large enough group.

 

[Rbishop]

In general....odd numbers.

 

[Hooked Newbie]

I actually read (in TFH or AFI) that researchers proved fish could count, but only up to four.

I tend to keep schoolers in even numbers, but don't think it actually matters as long as the group is sufficient.

 

[Inka4040]

I think odd numbers look way more natural... Thats just me, but you wont find any even numbered shoals in my tanks...