Addition of schooling fish

[goshel]

I wasn't able to find an answer for this in the library. When planning on adding schooling fish (for example 5 or 6 green chromis), should one add them slowly over time or as a group? I know that adding fish slowly greatly reduces the shock of the bio load, but is there a benifit to adding schooling fish together as a group?

-Greg

 

[Anonymous]

goshel, Welcome to reefs.org!
I don't see many Sactown reefers on this board, where do you live exactly?

This is a really good question. The few times I've kept chromis, they've been very peaceful towards each other. I suspect you could add them one at a time. There are some small species of cardinalfish (Apogon spp.) that school as well.

 

[wade1]

Chromis need to be added en masse. They almost always choose the weakest or newest fish to pick on in a newly established school and its not unusual for that fish to die off. Adding 5-6 at once prevents territorial disputes and IME works much better in the long run. Don't be surprised if the smallest/weakest is still harrassed though.

Wade

 

[goshel]

Thanks! that was kinda what I figured although I wanted a second opinion. -Greg

 

[Lostmind]

Personally, the green chromis I have are pretty rough on any smaller fish.

I dont particularily like my green chromis - they are my only purchase decision I regret so far...