Comment about neon tetras and schooling

[newtoshrimps]

I have often heard that neon tetras HAVE TO BE IN LARGE SCHOOLS to be happy and comfortable.

I have 3 neon tetras in a 20 gallon tank along with 3 male and 5 female guppies (and many baby guppies (sell later), AND two blind cave tetras) and they RARELY school together.
The only times that they school is when they are stressed (ie. I put my hand in tank, or a new fish is added to tank). Baby guppies not included in new additions to tank.
Otherwise, they are more like the guppies and just hang out in different parts of the tank.
NOTE: Filter drips into water over an ornament and air bubbles are slow and small.

I also have another 20 gallon tank with 3 other neon tetras in a more active tank, along with 3 female and one male swordtails and 4 male guppies. These 3 neon tetras school together constantly.
NOTE: Filter waterfalls into water and air bubbles are faster and bigger than other tank.

NOTE: the 6 tetras came from the same tank in pet store.

So I guess it depends on the tankmates that are with the neon tetras (or the amount of water movement). The more relaxed the tank, the more relaxed the neon tetras; therefore, the less schooling (security) needed.