Tetras feel too safe

[FINWIN]

Some folks mix a variety of neon tetras for a spectacular effect
(True Neon Tetras , Long Fins Neon Tetras , Gold Head Neon Tetras , Diamond Neon Tetras , Black Neon Tetras and Red Neon Tetras)

against deep color substrate/background with bright green plants they pop with color

 

[Joshuakahan]

I have a bunch of different species of tetras in a 90 gallon tank - and I want something to chase them around a little bit so they actually school with their own species instead of just mingling around. But I don't want anything to actually hurt them or eat them. Got any ideas? They are small tetras like neons, yellow phantoms, emporors, rummynose etc. I have a couple bolivian rams, but they aren't chasing anybody around. And I have corys and a pleco and ottos and they aren't doing anything to help either.

My advice is to add more of the species you already have, I’m guessing you don’t have enough of each to get what you’re looking for

 

[Hybridfish7]

Try adding flow

 

[Supergeorge123]

A single male Betta will usually push smaller fish out of certain spots they like throughout the day.

 

[Trouser Cough]

A single male Betta will usually push smaller fish out of certain spots they like throughout the day.

Male bettas don't much care for flow though.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

I’ve had lots of different schools of tetra over the years and i tend to ageee with Friller2009 . The schooling / shoaling behaviour will largely depend on species and the scenario in which they are kept.
Tank decor can also affect the way lots of tetra will behave. Tanks with lots of plant cover will make tetras relax more and therefore schooling becomes less tight than it would in a more sparse aquarium.
It’s not always down to numbers either. I currently have over 100 flame tetras in a 7 foot tank. Occasionally they shoal tightly together but most of the time they hang in loose groups.

I also have around 25 diamond tetra in this tank and while they don’t school tightly all the time, they do far more often than the flame tetras.
So I think there are many variables as to what will or will not create tight schooling behaviour. I do feel that certain species are much more likely to naturally do this than others. Rummy nose, penguin, and black neons for example have schooled quite tightly in my set ups.
I do feel the add a threat approach a tad unfair to the tetras. Stress in fish is never a good thing and if prolonged can lead to health issues.
I would try adding a species likely to shoal naturally in good numbers to achieve the effect your after.