Danio Bullies (how can I make them stop?)

I have had a 10 gallon tank (heavily planted) with five zebra tetras and one tiger guppy. (All males) They have all lived together for over a year with no issues.

A few days ago, I noticed the guppy hiding in a barrel. He would still come out to eat and he looked fine. I finally found out that he was hiding because yesterday I saw two of the tetras chasing him, nipping at his tail.

The tetras have always left the guppy alone, so I don’t understand why they are doing this suddenly. They always chase each other and have done their own thing.

Is there anything I can do to stop this? The poor guppy just hides out all day and I have to coax him out to eat. His tail still looks good, so the nipping hasn’t caused any visible damage yet.

 

I'd get some more guppies. The tetras are probably picking on him because he is alone. It's not the best to keep schooling fish alone. They get depressed and more anxious, from what I've seen with my own neon tetras and other schooling fish. Tetras are also just normally nippy. Best of luck finding him guppy friends!

 

If possible, I would get a larger tank and add a few more tetras and guppies.

 

Hi Kuebeecee in your post you say you have zebra tetras, do you mean zebra danios or neon tetras?

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That’s a bummer. I was told guppies were fine being alone. That makes me a little sad now knowing he could be experiencing anxiety by being by himself.

I just thought it was odd because the tetras have left him alone this entire time and then now, randomly, they are bullying him.

Hi Kuebeecee in your post you say you have zebra tetras, do you mean zebra danios or neon tetras?

Apologies - danios!

 

I have had a 10 gallon tank (heavily planted) with five zebra tetras and one tiger guppy. (All males) They have all lived together for over a year with no issues.

A few days ago, I noticed the guppy hiding in a barrel. He would still come out to eat and he looked fine. I finally found out that he was hiding because yesterday I saw two of the tetras chasing him, nipping at his tail.

The tetras have always left the guppy alone, so I don’t understand why they are doing this suddenly. They always chase each other and have done their own thing.

Is there anything I can do to stop this? The poor guppy just hides out all day and I have to coax him out to eat. His tail still looks good, so the nipping hasn’t caused any visible damage yet.

Hi Kuebeecee in your post you say you have zebra tetras, do you mean zebra danios or neon tetras?

I was wondering the same thing. I've never heard of zebra tetras.

 

I was wondering the same thing. I've never heard of zebra tetras.

They are danios. I always find myself calling them tetras.

 

That’s a bummer. I was told guppies were fine being alone. That makes me a little sad now knowing he could be experiencing anxiety by being by himself.

I just thought it was odd because the tetras have left him alone this entire time and then now, randomly, they are bullying him.

Apologies - danios!

That does make a little difference, zebra danios are very active fish & one guppy on its own might find them a little overwhelming. I’d suggest either getting more male guppies if you have room or rehoming the one you have.

 

Danios are kind of jerks sometimes. They may be getting bored with the small tank space and picking on the guppy.

 

That does make a little difference, zebra danios are very active fish & one guppy on its own might find them a little overwhelming. I’d suggest either getting more male guppies if you have room or rehoming the one you have.

I was hoping on setting up a 90 gallon tank at some point, but it probably would not be soon enough to relieve my little guppy. I don’t think I would want to put anymore fish in the 10 gallon due to over stocking.

I guess it’s time to expedite the larger tank process!

 

Danios can be nippy to fish with long fins, especially slower ones like a guppy.

A 10 gallon isn't the biggest space for the danios to swim around in so the behaviour will be exaggerated.

bigger tank will definately help

 

That does make a little difference, zebra danios are very active fish & one guppy on its own might find them a little overwhelming. I’d suggest either getting more male guppies if you have room or rehoming the one you have.

I will be upgrading these guys to a 40 gallon tank for now. I’m just curious on how many danios are appropriate for a tank this size (I hope it’s big enough) and if it would be okay to continue having the guppy by himself? I have been reading that guppy schools can get a little tricky.