how many

[JoBodude]

What is the min. # of these i can have its not that i dont want 6 but i have heard people get only like 2 or 3 and are perfectaly fine!

 

[David]

As it is a schooling fish, I woudl recommend at least 6. If you do not have the space or really do not want to devote to getting that many you really shouldn't get them at all. You can get away with 2 or 3, but ultimately the fish wouldn't be as happy.

 

[The-Wolf]

As it is a schooling fish, I woudl recommend at least 6. If you do not have the space or really do not want to devote to getting that many you really shouldn't get them at all. You can get away with 2 or 3, but ultimately the fish wouldn't be as happy.

for once I aggree with david.

 

[bigfish]

I would go for 6, i bought 5 for the price of 4 but the 5th one got bullied because it was smaller and died as a result, so the bigger the shoal the better i say!!!

Have you tried black neons they are great fun to watch especially at feeding time.

 

[clutterydrawer]

I too would say six as aminimum. If shoaling fish are kept in a small group they wont necessarily die but will be stressed and therefore more prone to disease. Also you don't get to see its natural behaviour - when I had two tetras they both stayed in the same spot 24/7 and never moved from it even to feed, when I got them some friends, they became much more active and happy.

Not to mention that a big group of harlequins looks stunning

 

[Lateral Line]

Shoaling/schooling fish should really be kept in shoals/schools. In very low stress environments, smaller numbers will do okay, but in most cases, the stress levels of the missing companions, dims the colours and shortens life.

 

[CathyG]

I first bought four Rasbora, one died in transit and one within a couple of days. The other two separated and hid away, very depressed. I bought six more, and even as the bag was floating, the lonely existing Rasboras were excitedly swimming around the bag. Now they don't often "school" per se (I put this down to them feeling comfortable, my Cardinals behave the same way), you will usually see a few happy stragglers, but they definitely prefer company of their own - even though they are known to follow other schooling fish quite happily when the mood takes them. What I have noticed about my "schooling" fish, is quite often they swim around in smaller groups of three or four, but on occasion (such as when I turn the light off/on, or if they are startled in any way) they find comfort in larger numbers, without hiding away.

BTW (off topic) I just noticed your sig, Lateral Line - I am a Floyd fan too