why dont my neons shoal?

[evofish]

my 6 neon tetra never stay together they just like to explore the tank on there own why is that?

 

[CathyG]

Because they are comfortable Shoaling is an instinctive protective behaviour, not a display behaviour as such. Do you find when you are maintaining the tank, ie moving decor around or carrying out a water change that they school? This is when they are more likely feeling threatened.

 

[evofish]

yeh they do! oh right they only shoal when they feel threatend thanxs

 

[Griz]

Mine do the same. Although they sometimes like to school with the fire head tetras, most of the time they just hang out in smaller groups of 5-6. Unfortunate really since they look stunning when the do decide to school together.

 

[smithrc]

what sized tank are they in...

In a bigger expanse of water fish shoal better - probubly down to the protective instinct again