Question about Neons

[Breakthecycle2]

I've been witnessing some strange behavior. I started out with only three at first, one died. The other two began this odd behavior. The face opposite ways and one will "pretend" to go after the other one while his back is turned and then at the last minute turn away, then the other one does it. This goes on for a min or so and then stops. I added three more (one died in transport) and they still do it and even chase away the other two sometimes.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

You have a very small groups of neons, they prefer to be in much bigger groups as in small numbers they feel very insecure and stressed as large numbers are what they depend on as defence and security in the wild. What other fish do you have with them and how many gallons does the tank hold?

 

[Breakthecycle2]

6 black neons, three cories and some rams. I dont think they're all that insecure because they swim aimlessly by themsleves quit often. What could this be?

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I know that my male neons somtimes show off in front of each other and the females but they have never once injured or physically attacked each other- they are too peaceful and sociable to do that and its better for them to stick together as a whole.
Your neons behavior sounds a bit like mating behavior but i wouldn't be concerned about it, the chances of getting baby neons in your tank is very, very small one indeed.

 

[Breakthecycle2]

thats what i thought. i know 6 or more neon is better, and i will get some more., but even when i had just the two left, they seemed real happy. Always wondering on their own and hanging out with the black neons. Actually a few hours ago, one of the new neons I added a few dyas ago and an older one where mady circling each other and appeared to be attacking each other, but never touched, Mating behavior?

 

[Griz]

Sounds like it could be mating behaviour to me too. A while ago, someone posted a very good video of neon mating behavior. I've search but haven't been able to find it.

 

[The-Wolf]

6 black neons

[snapback]916683[/snapback]​

firstly black neons Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi are a totally different species than neon tetras Paracheirodon innesi.
black neons will grow to 4cm which is considerably bigger than neons.

I doubt that they are showing mating behaviour, more like going through a pecking order; given the recent death of one fish. that could've been the alpha fish thus leaving the spot open.
either way, mating or pecking order, it is nothing to worry about.

 

[Breakthecycle2]

Yeah, I know that Black neons arent the same species. As far as establishing a pecking order, they would do that even if it was only 2 at the time?

 

[The-Wolf]

yes.
my logic for this would be
2 males; one would want to be the dominant male should a female happen along,
same goes for 2 females should a male happen to appear.
1 male and 1 female they will test each other to see if they are worthy of mating.

 

[Teelie]

Sounds like it could be mating behaviour to me too. A while ago, someone posted a very good video of neon mating behavior. I've search but haven't been able to find it.

[snapback]916926[/snapback]​

Would like to see that to see if my Black Neons are doing it as well. I have 5 of them and occasionally two will swim against the currents from the outflow and chase the others away.