Female Guppies

[IovaykInD]

I had three guppies in the tank. One male and two females. Only one of the females would get harrassed by the male, and for some reason, that female attacks the other female. The scales on the female that got attacked got torn a little, so I went to buy another female. I guess I was too late, and while I was buying my new female, the female that got attacked died. That means that now there are only two female guppies again. I'm afraid that they are going to fight again. The problem is that I will be going on a 10 day vacation next week, and wanted some advice. Should I hope that they don't fight, and if they do, start my stock over when I get back? Or should I get more females again, which my mom advises me not to?

Isaac

 

[Annastasia]

Is it possible the other female had a disease, and got weak? She'd then be a prime target for an aggressive female, and males usually won't breed with sick fish.

I wouldn't get more females just yet. See what happens with the new one...is she getting attacked too? You may just have an aggressive female...it does happen. Do they all get enough food, though? Guppies can get pretty aggressive over food sometimes!

But I would watch these 2, and see how they get along. If you get more females, and your aggressive one just attacks them all, that won't be very nice on the females. Try adding more hiding places to your tank, too.

 

[IovaykInD]

Thanks,
Yea...the female that got attacked wasn't doing so well already, so that's probably why the female attacked her. Also, now they get along and both of them are doing fine. There are a lot of hiding places already, so I don't think they will fight. If they didn't get along though, do you think I should just let "survival of the fittest" take place? I could always restock when I get back from vacation.

Isaac

 

[Annastasia]

If they don't get along, I'd probably seperate them. I wouldn't make a female Guppy have to be in pain...

Besides, if you did do a survival of the fittest, you'd have the same aggressive female left...and all that would tell you is that she's the most aggressive. And shouldn't be with other girls.

However, if they are getting along, it should be fine. I'm thinking the other one was a weak and therefore a big target.

 

[SusieJG]

Will guppies attack sicker/older guppies? I thought that for the most part they are pretty peaceful-other than the occassional territory battle. I have had a few disappear on me though-never to be found-is it possible they are getting attacked and eaten???