Need a little insight into new fish behavior

[holbritter]

I had 5 zebra danios in my tank. Yesterday, I introduced 6 Black Skirts. This were pretty calm. The tetras were shy and stuck together, going to the back when I walked near.

Then I saw them exploring more.....but my danios were all at the very top...skimming along together. They have never done that, unless I was feeding.

This morning it looks like a war! The tetras are all over, chasing one another (I think it's chasing..hoping it's "playing", and the danios are doing the same.
When I fed them, they pretty much ignored the food.

Is this normal? Is it like an adjustment period where they are all establishing / re-establishing their places in the tank?
I know I worry a little too much, but I've never did a tank the "right" way. The last tank I had was over 10 years ago, and you were told to just put them all in at once.

All parameters are good.

Thanks for all the help so far!

[Cichlid_Man]

Hi,
I don't know much about Danios, but tetra will school and chase and "play" a lot.
I think it is normal. Mine do all the time.
Like you said, new fish were introduced and things get a little crazy for a while.
Someone with more Danio experience will come along and help you, but I think they are just feeling good fish!

[Lady Hobbs]

Sounds normal to me. Danio's are top skimmers and go like crazy all day. And cichlid man is correct with the Tetra's. They play and nudge each other and swim back and forth (skoaling).

[AquaQueen]

HAHA...This thread was helpful for me too. I was worrying about my Red Eyes they were chasing and nipping at each other in a speed mode I thought something was wrong but now I know they are lil freaks and play like that...I have never seen them this wild...Although I got these guys from my mother who no longer wanted fish a few months
ago(I think it has been a few months now)...lol

[Severus]

It is perfectly normal. My friend has 6 long finned blue danios in a 29gal and they are nonstop all day chasing eachother around right under the water's surface. The same goes for your tetras they are just playing around

[holbritter]

Well I'm relieved to hear it's normal!

Boy, they sure are a lot of fun to watch :)