Can my orange tetras live with a feeder fish?

Question

Hello.
I have 2 small orange tetras in my small fish aquarium (the aquarium that comes as a set, with a filter, light, and air pump).
I also purchased a feeder fish (i don't know what kind of fish it is, i just got it for 10 cents at the local Petco) and put it in the tank.
I noticed today, that the feeder fish keeps on chasing on my orange tetras around.
I don't know if they are playing, or if the feeder fish is chasing them, trying to scare them.
are feeder fish normally aggressive?
what should i do?

Answer 1

Your feeders are probably either small goldfish, rosy red minnows or guppies. The only one of these that would be able to live comfortably with the tetras would be the guppies, not for reasons of aggressiveness, though, but because they should be kept in different water temperatures. Tetras are a tropical species, and they should have a water temperature of 76-80o, but the rosy reds and the goldfish prefer cooler water in the 65-75o range. Although they might be able to tolerate the range of the other, one of them isn't going to do as well as it could.

You should also know that the tetras are a schooling species, so these should be kept in groups of 5+. That's not to say you should go out and buy 3 more and add them right away - if you just set up the tank, it wouldn't have cycled yet, and too many fish will lead to ammonia poisoning because your tank hasn't had the chance to cycle yet.

If you're not familiar with the term cycling, please read these links:
http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm
http://www.fishlore.com/CloudyWater.htm
http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/disease/p/ammoniapoison.htm

Answer 2

I don't know for sure. It would depend on what the feeder fish is. If it's a comet or some type of goldfish then no. Tetras are a tropical fish and goldfish are coldwater. Not to mention that goldfish get large, comets too and your small tank is going to be too small for a fish that gets about a foot in length. Also, they are very dirty fish. They produce a lot of waste and it will probably over-power your filter, especially with the tetras adding their own waste to the mix. Sorry, but it's a bad idea to have them together. Also, be careful with feeder fish. If you plan to keep them, they should be quarantined for two weeks because they usually have more diseases because of their living conditions at the pet store. He could make your other fish very sick or die.

Answer 3

Feeder Fish are either young Goldfish or Rosey Red Minnows. You should be able to tell them apart. Minnows are pink and slender and Goldfish are well - goldfish.

The only problem with putting feeder fish in with your fish, is that feeder fish may have parasites on them. They usually come from ponds that aren't much monitored. And since they are destined to be eaten, they really arent' checked for parasites and/or diseases when they come into the stores.

I know of many folks who bought feeder fish and put them in with their regular fish only to have their regular fish get parasites and or get ick or other diseases.

So watch your fish well - when you buy them next time - check out the fish really well - look at them very closely for any signs of parasites on their skin and gills and tails.

As for chasing other fish - I know that minnows can be terrortorial and they'll chase other fish away from certain areas of their tank. Especially if the male is guarding his nest of eggs. Male Minnows get the female to lay eggs on the underside of a pot or rock or other decoration thats available and can be gotten too. He'll then guard the eggs until they hatch.

Ken

Answer 4

The "feeder fish" are probably American Comet Goldfish which are cold water fish and not compatible for that and many other reasons. If you value both breeds, seperate them, give the comet to a neighbor with a pond (with permission).