Eight Green Chromis?

[Alok]

I read that Chromis should be kept in odd numbers. I ordered 7 green chromis, but received 8!

Should I pick up another one from a LFS, or am I ok with an even number in my tank?

 

Alok

[rsarvis]

I read that Chromis should be kept in odd numbers. I ordered 7 green chromis, but received 8!

Should I pick up another one from a LFS, or am I ok with an even number in my tank?

 

Alok

 

I *think* that's more for small numbers. I.e., 2 and 4 are bad numbers to have. I read that somewhere (maybe it was here post #13) and the explanation made sense.

 

That being said, I bought 7 online, one died kind of unexpectedly in a couple days after shipment, and then the sixth guy slowly declined over the next week. I think, though, you shouldn't be too surprised if one or two die, as I've read that's somewhat common, and they're very competitive with each other if they don't have bigger things to worry about. That's my (admittedly limited) experience.

[Bob]

When I added Chromis, it was suggested odd numbers 3,5,7 etc. I think when you get above a certain number the schooling mentality is the issue. The weaker hang on fringes and eventually move into the school. I had 2 that were smaller and it took several months before they swam with the group.

[Alok]

Based on the thread posted above, it sounds like once you get over a certain number, it does not matter. Anyway, I will not panic and we'll see how the 8 get along!

[YBeNormal]

7, 8, 9... I don't think fish can count. The idea is to have enough of them that aggression is spread out and one of them doesn't get picked on.

[extreme_tooth_decay]

7, 8, 9... I don't think fish can count. The idea is to have enough of them that aggression is spread out and one of them doesn't get picked on.

 

Agreed. Advice like that is silly for more than 4 or 5 fish.

 

Myself, I started with 9 (from petco) years ago. Down to 2 now.

 

tim

[quazi]

I continually add chromis in pairs or great to my tank. I have 4 that have been around for over 6 months (which is great for my tank) and one that has been around for a year. Once they get established with a "school" they seem to do well. Getting them established is the big issue.

[n8dogggg]

I continually add chromis in pairs or great to my tank. I have 4 that have been around for over 6 months (which is great for my tank) and one that has been around for a year. Once they get established with a "school" they seem to do well. Getting them established is the big issue.

 

I actually had 3 in my tank and one died a while back. So for months now I've had 2 in my tank and they seem fine. I'd like to add more soon though.

[ReeferMan]

Fish killer!