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I have 6 black widow tetras (BWT) in a 25g tank with 2 platy tank mates. The tank is fairly new and cycling at the moment. Originally I had three BWT in a 10g and when I moved them to the bigger tank they seemed quite content and would spend a lot of time together. Then I added 3 more to encourage schooling. However I've never seen them school and half the time they are all at opposite ends of the tank from each other. One of the newer fish is so tiny (named little 'un) and is alway on his/her own and rarely eats.

I've recently removed 4 serpae tetras as they were a bit nippy.

My levels are currently around:
Ammonia = 1
Nitrite = 0
PH = 7.2

Any advice as to what to do with them? Could it be the cycling that's effecting them? (The original three have lived through cycling before) Should I just leave them to their own devices or buy a couple more to see if they will all school together?

thank you

how long is it cycling?? i dont recommend adding more fish as u have far too much for cylcing already in the tank..wait till u finish the cycle b4 adding more... it could be the ammonia that stressing ur fish...after the cycle...u may add more to establish pecking order.

Tetras don't always school in home tanks. Especially the smaller the tank. Schooling is a defensive behavior when there is danger around. Once settled in a new tank and they learn nothing will eat them they usually scatter about the tank. I have no experience with that tetra but of the species I have kept the only tetra that semi schooled was congos. The rest stayed in a loose group or scattered.

Thanks guys, that has put my mind at rest.

i have kept many black widows and consider them to be my favourite tetra. what has been said is absolutely correct. they school when they feel that the environment warrants the extra defensive manner. atm my widows dont school for a couple of reasons.
1. its heavily planted and so theres not really the space to school properly.
2. its heavily planted and so they each have their own territory which they actively defend when spawning conditions arise.
3. its heavily planted and therefore bright. they move deep into the plant to escape the light.

You have by now noticed a patern. A heavily planted tank will change the social dynamic of the tank. To encourage more schooling you basically have to make them feel more vulnerable by exposing them.
I feel kinda guilty when I expose my guys tho. it must be like sum1 ripping off the roof to the house.