I've got 6 "candy" tetras (look exactly like bleeding hearts but colored--didn't know they colored them until after the purchase) & 2 black skirt tetras in a 15 gallon. I read that they school when spooked, but not so much in displaying normal behavior.
However, mine have actually set up 8 different territories in the tank, & they all chase & nip each other if their space is violated. It's like having gangs in my tank as opposed to a community environment! One black skirt has gotten so much harassment & fin nipping that I believe he'll die soon. Has anyone had similar experiences with these "community fish?" My water's a bit alkaline & hard for tetras, but mine are thriving in terms of personal health--very colorful & nice open fins. Could that be causing any of this? Will adding more plants (plastic for now) reduce this territorial bahavior? None of the tetras bothered my Gold Mollys when they were in the tank--could this be some mating thing? Please help!
However, mine have actually set up 8 different territories in the tank, & they all chase & nip each other if their space is violated. It's like having gangs in my tank as opposed to a community environment! One black skirt has gotten so much harassment & fin nipping that I believe he'll die soon. Has anyone had similar experiences with these "community fish?" My water's a bit alkaline & hard for tetras, but mine are thriving in terms of personal health--very colorful & nice open fins. Could that be causing any of this? Will adding more plants (plastic for now) reduce this territorial bahavior? None of the tetras bothered my Gold Mollys when they were in the tank--could this be some mating thing? Please help!