Phasing Out Unwanted Schooling Fish :(

Like if you have a school of fish, such as neon tetras or tiger barbs whatever and you started it out getting them in correct numbers (6+) and you obviously wanted them else why get them?

But that feeling when you decide you don't want to keep adding or replacing this shoaling fish as they go.

I have an albino cory, he is in with 5 bronze. I once had 6 albinos, over the years as they've passed, I didn't replace them and decided I would let them go, and just keep adding bronze guys eventually fully replacing them with bronze. But that one albino just keeps hanging on. I don't know if it's wrong keeping him alone without more of his own kind. I did this with lemon tetras years ago, and over the months I started with 8 then it got to 1 to 0 lemons because I didn't replace them as the numbers went down.

Anyone else ever feel bad cause of having a fish that should be kept in schools but that you just don't feel you want anymore?

I don't know if it's as simple as giving them to a pet store because it may end up in worse conditions. But maybe gives them a better chance then dying in solitary

 

In your case, albino and bronze cories are usually the same species. There are a few different species that you see albinos, but most of the time they are corydoras aeneus, which is the same species as the bronze. So he is actually with his school. So I definitely say keep him.
Personally, I would just let them phase out, especially if they have been in your tank a long time.

 

I agree with AngelTheGypsy. Keep him. In my experience, I once had a school of bloodfin tetras but 5 out of the 7 died off. I didn't want to replace them as I didn't want for more to get sick. The last 2 I gave to my LFS...

 

I personally wouldn't feel right giving away a fish after having it for x amount of years, but that's just me. I believe you're overthinking this.

 

Oh I’m not giving him away

I’m just wondering if anyone has had schools of fish and not replaced them as the numbers dropped

 

Oh I’m not giving him away

I’m just wondering if anyone has had schools of fish and not replaced them as the numbers dropped

TexasDomer ?

 

I'm going to be dealing with that soon - I have 6 gold tetras remaining. When the school gets too small (only 2 or so left), I'll probably try to find another home for them where they can be with others of their same species. Until that time, I'll just keep them. I can't really get more as I've only ever seen juvies for sale, and my Mesonauta will eat juvies (and it takes a long time for them to get big enough not to be eaten - I don't have a QT open for long enough).