Are Different Types Of Tetras Different?

Do different types of tetras, for example, Neon and black skirt, produce different bio load, and do they have different aggression levels? Also, since tetras are schooling fish, can I have 5 black skirt and 5 neons be in a school?

 

Yes they are different. The smaller tetras (glowligt, neon) produce less bioload than the larger ones (piranhas etc.). The skirts and neons will not school together if that's what you are asking. Yes, 5 in a school is fine but its best to get 6. Neons also are more delicate than black skirts and would not survive in an uncycled tank.
What size is the tank?

 

Yes they are different. The smaller tetras (glowligt, neon) produce less bioload than the larger ones (piranhas etc.). The skirts and neons will not school together if that's what you are asking. Yes, 5 in a school is fine but its best to get 6. Neons also are more delicate than black skirts and would not survive in an uncycled tank.
What size is the tank?

Its a 29

 

They are all different, bio loads, aggression, sometimes diet, etc.. not saying that some tetras aren't similar to others, but your example the neons and black skirts will not school together and the black skirts have a higher bioload. Each "school" of tetra should be kept to the one species. For example you can't have 3 black skirts and 3 neons and consider that a school. It should be one or the other. Unless you have a tank big enough for two schools. Then you could have 6+ of each kind.

 

I personally have harlequin rasboras and pygmy corydoras, both of which are shoaling fish like tetras, and my little pymies like to school with the harlequins. It's completely possible to have different types of shoaling fish together and reduce their stress levels if they shoal together

 

I personally have harlequin rasboras and pygmy corydoras, both of which are shoaling fish like tetras, and my little pymies like to school with the harlequins. It's completely possible to have different types of shoaling fish together and reduce their stress levels if they shoal together

Tetras school, not shoal.

 

I would not keep Neons with aggressive tetras such as Black Skirts (known as Black Widows here). They will be stressed.

I keep my Neons mainly on their own in a large shoal of 20 in a 40 gallon planted. There are a few Bristlenose fry in with them.

I'm not sure there are any other tetras I'd want to keep with them personally as they look great in a single species shoal.

I tried keeping them with White Cloud Mountain Minnows but the males of this species chased the Neons when they were displaying and my Neons sulked.

They can also be stressed (my observations) when kept with larger fish even if these are peaceful. I think their instincts tell them to avoid being eaten.

 

I would not keep Neons with aggressive tetras such as Black Skirts (known as Black Widows here). They will be stressed.

I keep my Neons mainly on their own in a large shoal of 20 in a 40 gallon planted. There are a few Bristlenose fry in with them.

I'm not sure there are any other tetras I'd want to keep with them personally as they look great in a single species shoal.

I tried keeping them with White Cloud Mountain Minnows but the males of this species chased the Neons when they were displaying and my Neons sulked.

They can also be stressed (my observations) when kept with larger fish even if these are peaceful. I think their instincts tell them to avoid being eaten.

I am planning to get 10 neons along with the following:
3 Platys
3 guppies
8 Panda Cories
1 Dwarf gourami
1 Bolivian ram

Will they be ok?

 

Well the other fish are generally peaceful species so you are doing what many people would recommend and it seems completely reasonable to me.

For me, though, Neons look so superb in a large shoal that I don't need the complication that results in trying to keep a selection of competing fish happy together.

Keeping just Neons alone is hard enough as the health of the fish you purchase can be a bit of a lottery.

I prefer to simplify my hobby where possible as I have found that I personally gain greater satisfaction and success.

However, I appreciate that making things more complicated may be what other people find most interesting.

I always recommend that people pursue their vision, just that they do it from an educated standpoint.

You'll have a greater commitment to your fish if you keep what you really want to keep.

 

I am planning to get 10 neons along with the following:
3 Platys
3 guppies
8 Panda Cories
1 Dwarf gourami
1 Bolivian ram

I was recently keeping 24 Neon Tetras with 10 Panda Corydoras, and 7 Bolivian rams in my 75 gallon planted tank. They did very well, so I say go for it. The only reason I no longer have them all is because I moved, and my new location is to warm to keep those species, now I have Angelfish and Rummynose tetras which like higher temperatures.

Bolivians, Pandas and Neons are an ultimate mix IMO, and all thrive in the same water conditions. If I were you I would drop the livebearers, just have a big school of Neons and up the Cory's aswell. The Corydoras and Bolivian rams only eat from the bottom, so the Neon tetras will have only themselves to compete with at feeding time.

I would really recommend a fine sand substrate for all of these fish aswell. Bolivians are sand sifters as are the Cory's, it's very natural and awesome watching them sift through sand all day if they have the ability. Play sand is great for this.

Just an idea though!

 

Tetras school, not shoal.

No they don't. There are no true freshwater schooling species that I'm familiar with.