Mixing two shoals together? (Size difference)

[Deubie Doo]

I have 2 different shoals of reds. 6 ( 4-5 inch) and 8 (2-3 inch). The larger ones are darker gray color and the smaller ones are still a white color. Would I be able to mix them? Theirs like one that I think might be 5 inch but the rest are in between 4 inch. What do you guys think? Sorry for the bad pics, I need a updated camera

 

[Deubie Doo]

Any help? I'm thinking since theirs more of the smaller ones in the tank, it would be ok. Plus at the moment they hide a lot but when I mix them I'll take out everything and have them in the open for a week so they can really make one another dominance from larger to small. Dose this make any sence or no?

 

[cephalofoil]

i've seen mixed shoals of different sizes. i would increase feedings of the smaller ones so they can catch up in size, one 1 or 2 inches difference in size shouldn't be too much of a problem, but from experience i've found that younger/smaller rbp tend to cannibalize more often. When adding them together, i would remove all decor from main tank then wait a few days. Then i would add it in a different setup then it was in before to create new territories and boundaries, and immediately after that introduce the new piranha. It gives all the fish a chance to find a place to feel safe, rather than protect their territories. Lets them focus on finding a good spot rather than defending one, which should lower the chance of aggression. but that just my opinion.

 

[d3r]

I have 8 reds ranging from 5inches to 9inches in the same tank. I've had them for about a year now and haven't had any casualties or extreme aggression.

however they have all been together since they were 1-2 inches so our circumstances are a bit different...but this proves different sized P's can co-habitat.

Just cross your fingers the introduction doesn't trigger aggression.

 

[F1 VET]

2-3"+/- size isn't to bad of a difference plus their not 1 year old meaning their not sexually mature so there shouldn't be bad territorial issue's! And I also wouldn't run high temps, keep them @76-78°. Whilst introducing them rearrange the tank so its new for all of them. Keep an eye on injuries, keep water clean and have some aquarium salt on hand to treat injuries.

Just make sure the smaller ones are getting plenty of food and the big ones don't hog it! When feeding use small pieces instead or one large one, for instance if feeding a fish fillet cut it up into chunks!

BTW what's your tank size?



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[kevbc03]

Mixing 14 red bellies of different sizes in a 125 gal will be tricky, but I'm sure you could do it.. like everyone else said rearranging the decoration and lowering the temp while providing plenty of food should reduce aggression. Its always a gamble..If you do decide to do it, just expect the worst; meaning a couple of casualties.

If it were me, I would personally wait a year to introduce 2 shoals together..after that year they should all be at least 6 inches. I don't think I would risk the size difference. Just my opinion.

 

[Deubie Doo]

Just doing an up date. All doing well and don't even chase each other or fight. Afew nipped fins but they are already groing back.

 

[kevbc03]

Nice, congrats. Great looking tank too