Neon Tetras chasing each other?

[PheonixKingZ]

@Byron... I have noticed that my 8 neon tetras have started to chase each other around, more and more. Why do you think this is? (Water parameters are perfect. They are in a 29g tank)

(Excuse the awful picture. I didn't know if it was a mating thing...?)

 

[Byron]

It could be pre-spawning ritual, or establishing dominance/hierarchy, or "play" whatever that may mean to a fish. Shoaling fish usually have interactions, that's why we keep several of them.

 

[Colin_T]

A video of the fish chasing will provide the most info to help id the problem.

 

[CassCats]

If you got a higher number of males, they may be harassing your females potentially.

I find neons to be nippy little things with each other.

 

[Retired Viking]

Mine do the same thing, I notice it more a day after a major water change so I think it may be that they are breeding

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Mine do the same thing, I notice it more a day after a major water change so I think it may be that they are breeding

I did do a very large water change yesterday. That might be it...?

 

[PheonixKingZ]

If you got a higher number of males, they may be harassing your females potentially.

I find neons to be nippy little things with each other.

I have no clue how to sex them. I have read it has something to do with their size? Or the neon line down their side? I have no clue...

 

[Byron]

I have no clue how to sex them. I have read it has something to do with their size? Or the neon line down their side? I have no clue...

Like most (but not all) characins, there is no external gender dimorphism other than size. Females are rounder than males, when viewed from above but usually from the side it is also obvious. This doesn't work with fry of course, or immature fish, but before too many weeks it will be.

 

[FishGuest5123]

I was told that males have a straight neon line and females have a crooked line. Is that not true?


The male is slender, and the blue line is straighter. The female is rounder, producing a bent blue line. Some aquarists say the females look plumper when viewed from above. However, the straightness of the line and the plumpness of the female might occasionally be due to the eggs she is carrying.

Wikipedia › wiki › Neon_tetra

 

[Colin_T]

I have no clue how to sex them. I have read it has something to do with their size? Or the neon line down their side? I have no clue...

Mature females have a kink about half way along their blue line, the males have a straight blue line.

 

[FishGuest5123]

@Colin_T, Oops, guess you and I were typing at the same time. Another time when great minds think alike.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Mature females have a kink about half way along their blue line, the males have a straight blue line.

I was told that males have a straight neon line and females have a crooked line. Is that not true?


The male is slender, and the blue line is straighter. The female is rounder, producing a bent blue line. Some aquarists say the females look plumper when viewed from above. However, the straightness of the line and the plumpness of the female might occasionally be due to the eggs she is carrying.
View attachment 106254
Wikipedia › wiki › Neon_tetra

That's what I thought. I guess I'm going to spend the next 30 minutes trying to figure out the gender for my fish!

 

[FishGuest5123]

That's what I thought. I guess I'm going to spend the next 30 minutes trying to figure out the gender for my fish!

That’s so funny! I Eas thinking while I posted that, “Now PK will be staring at his tank for a hour.”

 

[PheonixKingZ]

PK

PK, is that my new nickname?

 

[JuiceBox52]

PK, is that my new nickname?

It's easier to type than the full username