Shy Pristella Tetra's?? Why?

About 2 weeks ago, I bought 17 Pristella Tetra. I also bought 3 Alestes Tetra that were kept in the same tank as them. I added them to my 55 gallon which consists of a few other fish, not many and nothing very big (my list is on my profile, Tank #2). The only time I see these fish is at feeding time. The rest of the time they hide behind plants. I'm frustrated because I thought they would be a beautiful school of fish to watch in this very bare tank.
Any suggestions?

 

HI there,
What are your water parameters?
Are any of your other fish picking on them?

 

Add more hiding places. I know that sounds counter intuitive, but the more places they have to hide, the more confident they are to come out.

 

They're probably shy right now, give it some time.

 

HI there,
What are your water parameters?
Are any of your other fish picking on them?

Parameters are all normal - PH 7 Ammonia 0 Nitrites 0 Nitrates 40
None of the other fish pay any attention to them. They huddle up in two groups - one on each side of the tank. All of the other fish in the tank are babies too. The Alestes and the Rainbows are small - maybe an 1" in size.

Add more hiding places. I know that sounds counter intuitive, but the more places they have to hide, the more confident they are to come out.

Funny you should say that! I thought about taking hiding out!! But the tank has a LOT of hiding places. Plants, and dens for them to hide in. Glad I didn't take anything out then - thank you!

 

Alestes are an active, aggressive African Tetra, and while you may not see it, they likely have made the less busy Pristellas nervous. Same goes for Rainbowfish (I'm guessing that's what you mean by "Rainbows"), except they're not always aggressive.

They may eventually get used to the activity and start coming out. Sometimes two weeks isn't very long.

 

I have no suggestions, but when they do come out, I'd love to see pics!
I alllllllmost went with pristellas as my schooling fish, but decided on diamonds (which I'm very happy with) instead.

I do hope they get comfy for you soon

 

Alestes are an active, aggressive African Tetra, and while you may not see it, they likely have made the less busy Pristellas nervous. Same goes for Rainbowfish (I'm guessing that's what you mean by "Rainbows"), except they're not always aggressive.

They may eventually get used to the activity and start coming out. Sometimes two weeks isn't very long.

Interesting... The Alestes were in the same tank at the LFS when I bought them all so I had no idea they may be scared of them. As soon as the Alestes and Rainbows (yes! Rainbow fish! ;-) ) are big enough they will be moved to my 125 gallon tank with the others that I have in there. They are just too small right now.

I'm hoping with a bit more time they'll start moving about too. Thank you!

 

Is it possible the temp is off?

 

Is it possible the temp is off?

No... I've put digital thermometers along with a manual one inside the tank. Each night when I feed too I check with my hand to be sure it feels right. Try not to rely on the thermometer alone.

I'm just dissapointed because I bought 17 of them hoping to have the largest school I've ever had! I need to be patient and give them time I guess...

 

Sorry, I didn't mean heaters turned off. I just wondered if the temp might be set a little cool for them.

 

Sorry, I didn't mean heaters turned off. I just wondered if the temp might be set a little cool for them.

Oh! It' 78.6

 

Oh! It' 78.6

Oh ok! Well it's not that then!

 

Hey Everybody!!
My Pristella's were actually schooling and swimming into the Fluval output last night!!
I was really contemplating moving the Alestes and Rainbows over to the 125 last night and I'm glad I didn't because I fear they may be a bit too small yet. Then! About an hour later! There they all were, swimming together