Fighting Guppies - What Next?

[Pablo_F]

I have a 48ltr tank. In my last stock up about 6 moths ago, I had 8 male guppies and 2 neon tetras. Over time, I now down to 3 guppies and the 2 neons. I've noticed recently that 2 of the guppies inparticular do not seem to be getting on and seem to be fighting with each other.

I know the obvious answer to my question will be that I need to add some females to my tank to curb their "frustrations". However, I am working away alot at the moment and only get home about once a fortnight - I don't want to add more fish as I wouldn't be able to look after them properly from 200 miles away.

Just looking for some suggestions or ideas........?

 

[Baccus]

Adding females will just mean babies and guppies aren't called the millions fish for nothing. If anything add some tall plants to give more areas of escape and maybe add a couple of new boys so that the aggression you are seeing gets spread out. Otheriwse I would rehome the guppies and get more neon tetras.

 

[trianglekitty]

The males tend to fight in smaller groups. When I had three, they were always fighting- I ended up with ten after my cousin closed her tank, and the aggression is much more spread out. Even now, though, there's a lot of ragged fins.

If you watch guppies, they're a little like wolves- they have a whole pecking order. They'll keep fighting to establish rank, and in a smaller group one will keep coming out with the worst of it. In a larger group they have more opponents to choose from, so one poor sod isn't getting thrashed all the time.

Cheeky buggers.

 

[minnnt]

If you're working away alot and your tank is being a bit neglected then Guppies or Neons aren't particularly a good choice as stock nowadays seem to be very poor quality. Something more hardy like a school of the smaller barbs would probably be a better choice like the cherries. Just a thought mate Good luck!