A Problem Guppy. : ( Help?

[Jimfish]

Hello, all!

I've got a happily established 30-gal tank, but I've noticed a bit of an issue the last few days. I've got one male guppy in there, pretty little red and yellow guy, and he seems to be picking on my female variatus. : ( He follows her around constantly and looks like he's rubbing up against her, and even nipping at her back fin a bit (no damage done-- more like a kiss!).

Now correct me if I'm wrong, but I read somewhere in my internet travels that even though separate species of live bearers can't breed successfully, that the males may still sense that there's a female around, and harass her trying to get himself some tail. Is this true? If so, do you think that's what's happening?

Sorry if this is a dumb question at all. It doesn't look like he's doing any harm to her, just stressing her out a bit!

What to do, what to do?

 

[helterskelter]

This is a very common issue to have in the home aquaria.
Males can be confused, they see something they think is a female and they will harass them at first. This may last several days until they work it out.
I've seen them trying to breed with most other fish including many species of a similar size like danio's and tetra's.

However when this confusion happens line other livebearering species, it can last for months, if not the life time of the fish. This is due to hormones produced by the females being similar.
Most males have the scene to work out that their not the same species and will give up, but on an odd occasion they never do.

Hopefully your fish will learn in time and give up on her, but there is a chance he may not.
Do you have any female guppies?
If not I would be incline to add a couple, to try to distract him away and give the platy some time to rest if her persists.
Your also right in thinking that platies and guppies will not cross.

Best of luck with them and hope he releases his mistake soon

 

[Jimfish]

Thank you so much for such a detailed reply! : ) It's really helped!

Today he seems a little bit better. When I came home from work he wasn't bothering her at all, but he's followed her a bit since. I've had the two together for about three weeks now, and it's only just been a problem these past couple days, so here's to hoping he'll snap out of it!

I don't have any lady guppies in there for him yet, but I'll probably pick up a couple next time I'm at the fish store, just to be safe!

 

[helterskelter]

Best of luck with them