Question Re: Fish “schools”

[lisa99]

When putting together a school do the fish need to be exactly the same?

For example, with cory catfish, can you mix panda with albino to form the school or do they need to be all panda or albino?

 

[jinjerJOSH22]

All need to be the same species, with a few exceptions and color morphs.

 

[lisa99]

Thank you!

 

[dragonflyaquatics]

I agree, fish only actually school with there own species. If they are comfortable they will separate and intermingle with other fish, but as soon as something scares them they will dart back to the fish that are the exact same species as them.

 

[Kirahn]

I have 14 Salt and Pepper Corys and one Emerald that school together. The Emerald is the sole survivor of my original 3 I purchased when I first started my 20G a year and a half ago. At the time I didn't know much and I lost a couple to cycling issues and when I got more I got a different type without knowing I shouldn't.

At first the emerald was tiny and hid all the time, but eventually her color muted down to just grey and she started schooling with the rest. Now she's by far the biggest one in the tank and seems to be in charge. Though she's still only grey in color, I think to blend in more with the salt and peppers.

I only mention because it can work, though I wouldn't do it willingly again. I have thought about getting a few emeralds to see if her color changes. But at this point I have plenty already and don't really want to give up any salt and peppers to make room.