Most tetras are natural fin nippers. However, there are some tetras that don’t exhibit fin nipping behavior. Neon tetras, serpae tetras, emperor tetras, black skirt tetras, etc. are fin nippers. On the other hand, congo tetras, rummy-nose tetras, bleeding heart tetras, etc., aren’t fin nippers.
Although tetras display fin nipping behavior, they won’t nip fins of other fish if kept under appropriate conditions. So, let’s understand why tetras resort to fin nipping and how to stop them.
Why Are Tetras Fin Nippers?
Although tetras are considered peaceful, they can display aggressive fin nipping behavior.
Given below are the most common reasons why tetras are fin nippers:
- Territorial disputes,
- Stress,
- Less food, or
- Space constraints for swimming.
Besides, some tetra species like black skirt tetras also nip fins of fish with long fins and slow-moving fish.
Some aquarists also believe that the fin nipping behavior of tetras is caused by:
- Heredity,
- Boredom, or
- Self-defense.
Which Tetras Are Fin Nippers?
Some tetras are fin nippers, while others are not.
Given below are the tetra species that are fin nippers by nature:
- Neon tetras,
- Serpae tetras,
- Black skirt tetras,
- White skirt tetras,
- Rosy tetras,
- Emperor tetras,
- Flame tetras, and
- Diamond tetras.
Which Tetras Aren’t Fin Nippers?
Although most of the tetras are fin nippers by heredity, some tetra species do not exhibit fin nipping behavior.
According to research, the tetras that aren’t fin nippers are:
- Glowlight tetras,
- Bleeding heart tetras,
- Rummy-nose tetras, and
- Congo tetras.
How To Stop The Fin Nipping Behavior Of Tetras?
Fin nipping is a common problem that many aquarists face. Luckily, it’s a hereditary behavior and hence easy to spot.
When you have a tank filled with tetras, you may counter this problem more often as tetras are natural fin nippers.
Nevertheless, there are a few tetra species that do not nip fins.
Moreover, even if you have a tetra species like neon tetras or emperor tetras that are fin nippers, there are few ways to curb this behavior.
Given below are some of the most common ways to stop the fin nipping behavior in tetras:
- Avoid keeping slow-moving fish and fish with long fins along with tetras.
- Water parameters in the tank should be suitable for tetras. If the water parameters are not accurate, it will lead to stress. Due to this, tetras may resort to fin nipping.
- Avoid overcrowding the tank. Every fish needs its territory to feel secure. Otherwise, they can get aggressive and nip fins of other fish to defend their territory.
- Set up enough hiding places like rocks, plants, driftwood, and aquarium ornaments in the aquarium.
- Ensure that all the tetras are well-fed. Underfed tetras may chase other fish and nip their fins if they do not find enough food in the tank.
Related Questions
Are neon tetras fin nippers?
Neon tetras are known for their fin nipping behavior.
They chase each other or other tank mates and nip their fins for no apparent reason.
Besides, if they sense danger, they nip the fins of other fish as an act of self-defense.
Are cardinal tetras fin nippers?
Cardinal tetras are not fin nippers. Like most tetra species, cardinal tetras are docile creatures.
They easily get bullied by aggressive fish as they are not able to defend themselves.
Hence, you should always house cardinal tetras with other non-aggressive fish.
Are ember tetras fin nippers?
Ember tetras are not fin nippers. They are comparatively shy fish that prefer to stay away from other active fish.
However, they are likely to nip fins when kept in small schools.
Are serpae tetras (red minor tetras) fin nippers?
Serpae tetras are notorious fin nippers.
They actively chase other fish and nip their fins during feeding time to get more food.
Besides, they also become aggressive and nip fins when kept with slow-moving fish.
Are glofish tetras fin nippers?
Glofish tetras are not natural fin nippers.
However, they are likely to nip fins when kept in small schools of less than six fish.
It’s because they don’t feel secure and become nervous in small groups.
Are congo tetras fin nippers?
Congo tetras are not fin nippers.
They are an excellent addition to a community aquarium due to their peaceful temperament.
You should avoid keeping congo tetras with aggressive fish as they can become skittish and resort to hiding most of the time.
Are pristella tetras fin nippers?
Pristella tetras are not fin nippers by nature.
They may sometimes resort to fin nipping if kept in small groups.
However, they are non-aggressive fish and get along well with other fish having a similar temperament.
Are penguin tetras fin nippers?
Penguin tetras may nip fins when kept in small schools in a tank.
The best way to curb their fin nipping behavior is to keep them in a large group.
Are bloodfin tetras fin nippers?
Bloodfin tetras are popular for their fin nipping behavior. They usually nip fins of fish with flowing tails.
Hence, it’s advisable to keep them away from fish such as bettas and angelfish to curb their aggressive behavior.
Are black skirt tetras fin nippers?
Black skirt tetras are fin nippers.
They are semi-aggressive and target fish with long fins such as angelfish and bettas if kept together in the same tank.
They also tend to nip fins of slow-moving fish species.
Are black phantom tetras fin nippers?
Black phantom tetras are fin nippers. They can nip fins if there is a space constraint in the tank.
Besides, they even become aggressive and nip fins when kept in smaller shoals.
Are blue tetras fin nippers?
Blue tetras are not aggressive fin nippers.
However, they may resort to nipping fins of other fish when cramped for space in the tank.
Similarly, they may exhibit mild aggression and nip fins when kept in small groups of their kind.
Are bleeding heart tetras fin nippers?
Bleeding heart tetras are not fin nippers.
However, they can get territorial and resort to fin nipping when kept in a small school or alone in a community tank.
Are diamond tetras fin nippers?
Diamond tetras are natural fin nippers. Hence, you need to examine their behavior in a community tank closely.
Since diamond tetras are mid and bottom dwellers, they are compatible with fish such as guppies, catfish, corydoras, and zebrafish.
Are silvertip tetras fin nippers?
Silvertip tetras are fin nippers.
However, they don’t display fin nipping behavior if they are kept in a large school of their kind.
Are emperor tetras fin nippers?
Emperor tetras are fin nippers like most of the other tetras.
Therefore, you should avoid housing any fish having long fins with emperor tetras.
Are lamp eye tetras fin nippers?
Lamp eye tetras are fin nippers. They will nip fins when kept in small groups.
Hence, the best way to control their fin nipping behavior is to keep them in large groups.
Are flame tetras fin nippers?
Flame tetras are fin nippers. Therefore, they should always be kept in a school of their kind.
Also, there should be enough space in the tank for them to have their territory.
Are glowlight tetras fin nippers?
Glowlight tetras are not fin nippers.
Hence, you can safely add them to your community tank without having to worry about the safety of the other fish.
Are rummy-nose tetras fin nippers?
Rummy-nose tetras are not fin nippers. However, they may occasionally nip fins of other fish when stressed.
Therefore, you should always keep them in a large group and avoid any fish species with long fins to curb their aggressive behavior.
Are red phantom tetras fin nippers?
Red phantom tetras don’t nip fins excessively. They may occasionally exhibit fin nipping behavior when stressed.
They have a very peaceful temperament and are a great addition to a community tank.
Are rosy tetras fin nippers?
Rosy tetras are fin nippers.
They usually become aggressive and start nipping the fins of their tank mates when kept in a small school.
However, keeping them in large groups can help control their fin nipping behavior.
Are white skirt tetras fin nippers?
White skirt tetras are fin nippers. They are considered semi-aggressive due to their fin-nipping behavior.
So, you should not keep fish with long-flowing fins and slow-moving fish such as guppies and angelfish with white skirt tetras to curb their fin nipping behavior.
Are black neon tetras fin nippers?
Black neon tetras are not fin nippers. They are peaceful fish and get along well with their tank mates.
However, during breeding or if the black neon tetras are stressed, they may sometimes become aggressive and nip fins of other fish as a defense mechanism.
Are Buenos Aires tetras fin nippers?
Buenos Aires tetras may sometimes nip the fins of other fish when they are hungry.
They grow a little larger than the other small-sized tetras, like neon tetras.
Therefore, it’s advisable to house Buenos Aires tetras with similar-sized fish and short-finned fish to control their fin nipping behavior.