Neon Tetra Pecking Order - Male to Female Ratio?

[NeonJulie]

Since increasing the size of my neon school to 7 last week, and seeing everyone relax and get comfortable over the last few days, my not-quite-full-size new (male?) tetras are pecking up a storm!

I'm looking at my school and thinking that somehow I may have ended up with 5 slender/long bodied neons (males probably?), and only 2 that look female.

I remember years ago reading that there might be a certain ratio of males to females to get. I may have to take a few of those males back and trade them with some females. It's like an all and out brawl in there of about 4-5 fish... :/

For some reason I'm not getting any hits on searching, online and on the forum. If any one remembers, please let me know. Thanks.

 

[jm1212]

you shouldnt need to have a ratio between males and females. if you did, it would be almost impossible since there are almost no differences between males and females.

 

[NeonJulie]

So I'm again worrying needlessly. Awesome! Is it possible they will (hopefully soon) learn to get along and this WWE match will end soon?

 

[aviva90]

They may just be chasing each other, they are very playful once you get the school size up. Just make sure there isn't any fin nipping (shouldn't be any with the neon tetras). The schooling fish chase each other a lot in my (somewhat limited) experience.

 

[NeonJulie]

I'd have to say that this is definitely a contact sport :/. The fins aren't so bad that they aren't there, but one of the new neons is working on growing back about 25% of his. What's wrong with my children! *jk*

 

[fishycat]

I have 8 in my 20H, not sure of the gender ratio but I've seen 3 or so chase each other every so often. They've calmed down, but it happens every so often - kind of looks like a mosh pit. No fin damage, but I'm watching them.

 

[jpappy789]

Sometimes it just takes time for the pecking order to become established. Just watch for fin damage.

 

[FishyPeon]

I'm not sure how similar glow light tetras behave, but I have 10 in my 20g L, and they chase eachother around like crazy. And I only have 2 females (or so I think). I also have only had them for a few days.

 

[captaincaveman9]

I have occasionally has the "serial killer" neon. Just a bad attitude. If it's just the one neon being a bully that may be the issue..

 

[fishorama]

I agree with jpappy, it's probably just pecking order. Tetras have teeth & small as they are they can nip fins but don't do much damage. Adult females have a bigger tummy but it's very hard to tell with subadults. A lone female might get harassed. Give them a couple weeks to work it out, young punks!