adding schooling fish

[Briarmoor]

When I add phantoms to my new tank, I was planning on about 6. And later the same number of rainbows. It seems I was reading something on using odd numbers instead. Has anyone else heard that? Does it matter for any reason? I'll get about 2 males and the rest females.

P.

 

[Lateral Line]

There are some that believe odd numbers are better, others believe that to be twaddle. I think as long as the group is large enough, the minutiae are irrelevent.

 

[-*-MicHAeL-*-]

thats just stupid as it doesnt really matter, its just peoples superstition

though having said that i know people who would buy 11 tetras in case one dies in tranist or premauturely and they then have an even number LOL

 

[sylvia]

I never met a fish that could count...

 

[Iron Man]

LOL

Well you know an ostrich will go through the motions of counting her eggs, pecking each egg and giving a "honk" for each one....but its not really remembering numbers.....its just one of those wacky things some animals do.

Back on subject....I think its a silly notion to keep even or odd numbers of fish...unless you are talking about fish that will pair off like angelfish...then it might be important.

 

[tttnjfttt]

I've heard odd is better, in most species, because this way two can't pair up and become tank terrors. The third, in theory, will keep the group changing who is befriending who. Basically if a pair forms, then the odd will go in and break it apart. However, I think in larger groups, like 5+, it really doesn't matter.

 

[freddyk]

It really doesn't matter, but 3 seems to sometimes cause problems with some species, especially the feisty ones.