Aggressive Platy... Please Help

[fmervin]

Hi all,

Initially in my community tank I had a male guppy with 2 female guppies and a single male platy(white). All used to get along fine. However, I felt the platy would be feeling left out so I threw in 3 female platties and another male (yellow). Now I have noticed the initial white male platy has become very aggressive towards the guppies. He especially keeps chasing the female guppy around. She is now so scared she just hangs out near the filter. I'm afraid he will stress her out and kill her. I've already had my siamese fighter kill a male molly before (I have returned him after that and got guppies in place). I thought platties were peaceful fish and well suited to community tanks. The females are very peaceful though and a joy to watch. I'm desperate for any advice? I'm afraid of another death due to bullying. I thought of isolating the white male platy for sometime, but when I did this with my siamese fighter he simply became all the more aggressive and the next day my male molly was killed. Please advise.

 

[fmervin]

Anyone???

 

[Mo_loves_fish]

How big s the tank?

Tel me all the fish you have, males and female.

What this souds like is that hes tring to mate with the females.

 

[Mo_loves_fish]

If that is your tank in your signature you have a 65lrt tank which is around, 18 Gal. First all your a bit over stocked for a tank that size, which can cause agression, second all you have 2 males an 3 females, the general rule is 2-3 females for every one male.

So here are your options:

1. Bring the aggressive platy back to the pet store.

2. get about 2 more female platties. (not recomended) due to the fact that you are heavly stocked.

3. Set up a smaller tank and put the platty in there with 2-3 females.

 

[fmervin]

Thanks Molly, I think I'll take the platy back to the lfs if they accept him back.

 

[Mo_loves_fish]

they should take him. Most do. Good Luck.