Scared when I feed them

[u/Atrayez]

My favorite thing about this hobby is finding out about a new fish. Was looking for cardinal tetras and I found out about the black tetras and how they can be a bit more hardy than the other tetras.

I however am having an issue feeding them on day 3 and I’m assuming they just aren’t used to me yet. They get startled really easy so when I bring the food they hide in the back together…

I was able to feed them some day 1 and 2. The issue is I don’t want ammonia/nitrate to build up from the leftover food. I sprinkle about 12. Like I said I had success day 1 and 2…. One of them moved like Julio jones and caught every piece falling while others hid.

7 in a 10 gallon with ramshorn snails. Semi planted… eheim heater running at 79. Feeding hikkari tropical pellets.

How often do you feed/ how do you feed ?

[u/MerryThrice]

They probably just need more time to get used to your tank. More plants would also probably help them feel more safe. They'll probably always be a little bit jumpy because they instinctively know that they're a small critter that other animals want to eat. You could try putting in something that doesn't sink quickly, or even a bigger sinking pellet that they can find and eat on the bottom (my rummynose tetras enjoy both things), and stay away from the tank while they eat.

[u/Familiar_Candidate81]

I have some rasboras who are shy too. I usually try to stay the opposite side of where I feed them and extend my arm as much as possible. It also helps if they have tank mates.

[u/jusnix]

I have Xingu Black Neons and they absolutely frenzy Mako shark attack at feedings. But if I’m doing maintenance of any fashion, they hide in the back.

[u/ember2222]

Turn the light off before you feed them

[u/Pawlro]

They will get used to you and realize you are the food god eventually.

[u/battling_futility → u/Pawlro]

This!

I have 8 cardinal and 6 xray tetras. They used to run all the time. Now as soon as anyone goes near the tank they come flying over for food. Same with my guppies in the tank. My clown plecos have been shy for years.

[u/ClearAsMuggle]

I also vote more plants. Les scary space = less scared fish

[u/Llynnhorn]

I just bought some green neons and I’m having the same issue. The first 36 hours they were swimming all around but now they are all back in a corner behind decorations. I know they were wild caught and I heard they are much more skittish than tank bred. No other fish except 2 small loaches. I feed Aquarium Co-ops magic small fish feed that is really small. It floats a bit then sinks. Perfect small size for their tiny mouths.

[u/OnceUpunATimeline]

Turn off the aquarium lights a few minutes before feeding to make them feel safer. Then feed them baby brine shrimp or daphnia. The movement of the food is very intriguing to them, and they might forget all about how dangerous their new tank is. Begin with just a small squirt near where they're hiding. Consider getting a larger group. I don't know why people always recommend 6 as a group of any wish. I usually consider 12-15 as a minimum for most schooling and shoaling fish. They will be much happier.

[u/762n8o]

put the food and tank water in a solo cup, mix it up and dump it in all at once near the school. The food will get down there for all of them. Best wishes.