Pristella Tetra Behavior

[KerrieBerrie]

I have 5 of these fish in a 5 gal tank, plenty of space and lots of plants to hide in. 4 of them school around once in a while, but 1 is much smaller and keeps to itself. Even when feeding, while the 4 others are at the top goin crazy, the poor little one keeps to the bottom and eats the crumbs... I try to make sure he keeps fed, but I'm just wondering if this is healthy or if I can do something. All of the fish are fairly shy, but this one is kinda worrisome.

 

[karna68]

I had some white clouds where 2 hung around together and one was off by himself, he died, I don't know if it was because of stress or what. I would say add more fish but you really can't in that size tank. Maybe when he grows a bit he'll feel more secure.

 

[sarcare]

I've been looking at various tetras for my 55g, and as I recal they are a bit big for that size tank. That might be a problem if one is shy, there isn't as much space for him to feel comfortable.

 

[Needeles]

I myself have some of these are they are pretty nice fish. I would like to start off by letting you know you need a bigger tank for the fish. The smallest you should have the fish you have is in a 10g tank with no other fish. They require some space and a 5g is just not enough. This in itself will add alot of stress to the fish. If they don't have room to move they can get somewhat aggressive. The smaller one is going to get the brunt of it. I can almost guarantee that if you put them in a 10g the "shy one" will start to be out and about more often.

As for eating, it is important that they do at least get some food. If you see that he/she is eating, even from the bottom then that is good. The fish is getting the food at least. Again a larger tank will most likely take care of this problem.

Just some info about the fish for ya. These fish will grow to about 2 1/2 inches full grown. They do prefer to have some plants, live or fake to hide throughout. As like any other tetra they do prefer to be in a school as you have done. Minimum size for these is no smaller then a 10g tank depending on how many you have. The more fish the larger tank you will need.

I hope this helps you out some.

 

[Ulan]

Do they really get that big? I've often seen them described as some of the smallest tetras you can get (1 to 1½ inches max). I'm currently thinking about what tetras to get for a 20L, and if they really get 2½ inches long, I might better get something else.

 

[SirWired]

If this is your first tank, you really need to get the largest tank you can find space for and afford. Yes, this is counter-intuitive, as most folks think smaller tanks are easier. Why do you want a larger tank?

Keeping fish healthy is largely about two things: water chemistry and stress reduction. Water chemistry is MUCH easier to keep stable the more water you have to absorb changes in chemical content. Figuring out how many fish are happy in a tank is pretty hard, and until you know EXACTLY how much space the fish need, it is better to err on the side of a larger tank. One thing that is for certain is that fish NEVER dislike having a big tank.

SirWired

 

[Needeles]

Do they really get that big? I've often seen them described as some of the smallest tetras you can get (1 to 1½ inches max). I'm currently thinking about what tetras to get for a 20L, and if they really get 2½ inches long, I might better get something else.

Yes they really do get that big. My largest one is just a hair over 2 inches at the moment. My smallest is about 1 1/2 inches.

They would be fine for a 20g tank. I have a small school of them in a 20g tank and they seem happy.

 

[KerrieBerrie]

I totally asked in here about what fish I should get for a 5 gal, and I was told to get Pristella, sooooo. They seem to be doing better though, so thank you.

 

[Squawkbert]

I may well be the one who suggested Pristellas, having also read that they get to 1.5" (not 2.5"). I apologize if that's the case.

I have 6 of 'em & a Pineapple sword in a lightly planted 5g. They seem to be doing fine. I'm not sure about your "outcast" but mine school most of the time, just occasionally chasing one another a bit.

I have since been told that Endlers live-bearers are a better alternative for a 5g tank, but I can't find any around here. There is another poster who sells them from time to time. After I get my 46g going, I plan to move the 5g inhabitants into the 46 and look for some Endlers.