Fish Behavior

[CataphractMSH]

I bought a female and male swordtails two days a ago but the female seems to be over energetic on one side of the tank and when not it turns to harsh it's other mates and the male. Does this have to do with tank size and # of tank mates as i have 11 tetras and two swordtails.

 

[Breeze7050]

Lets start with some of the basics first so we can better help you!
What is your aquarium size? How long has it been up and running? Did you cycle it?? Have you added anything new recently? What chemicals do you use if any? Are you using an adequate filter and heater? How often are your water changes and what percentage of water do you take out? Answer these and we can better help you! I know its alot, but without it no one can really help much.

 

[CataphractMSH]

Lets start with some of the basics first so we can better help you!
What is your aquarium size? How long has it been up and running? Did you cycle it?? Have you added anything new recently? What chemicals do you use if any? Are you using an adequate filter and heater? How often are your water changes and what percentage of water do you take out? Answer these and we can better help you! I know its alot, but without it no one can really help much.

My aquarium size is 10gals. It has been runing for 1 yr. I did cycle it. I only use a water conditioner (Stress Coat). A Fulval 205 Canister Filter but no heater with temp at 80F. Since this problem 10% each day(filtered tap water).

 

[xoedusk]

Can you post your current water parameters?
pH
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate

Do swordtails like to hide? If so, do you provide caves?

 

[dwarfgourami]

I guess the clue is the tank size. Swordtails are extremely energetic swimmers- I wouldn't keep them in less than a 3 foot tank, preferably 4 foot. I reckon she feels hemmed in. Sex ratio probably isn't helping; there should be at least 2-3 females to keep that one male busy. If she is being pestered by constant demands for sex, this could make her more irritable. Unfortunately, there is no room to buy more females, the tank seems fully stocked already. It could also be that she is pregnant and that makes her irritable as the tank is too small to allow her her own space (I remember the feeling well ).

The best options would be to either rehome the swordies or get them a bigger tank. If this is not possible, you might try with planting the tank, to give them each their separate area. If this does not help, then I think you should look at rehoming them.

 

[JaminRat]

a heater would be a good buy aswell

 

[CataphractMSH]

Can you post your current water parameters?
pH
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate

Do swordtails like to hide? If so, do you provide caves?

Currently i don't have a test kit but I ‘am purchasing one.

Everything for the moment is out in the open expect for a few stones.

Other than this there is almost nothing for cover .

For the longest time I have been meaning to provide caves.

 

[CataphractMSH]

I guess the clue is the tank size. Swordtails are extremely energetic swimmers- I wouldn't keep them in less than a 3 foot tank, preferably 4 foot. I reckon she feels hemmed in. Sex ratio probably isn't helping; there should be at least 2-3 females to keep that one male busy. If she is being pestered by constant demands for sex, this could make her more irritable. Unfortunately, there is no room to buy more females, the tank seems fully stocked already. It could also be that she is pregnant and that makes her irritable as the tank is too small to allow her her own space (I remember the feeling well ).

The best options would be to either rehome the swordies or get them a bigger tank. If this is not possible, you might try with planting the tank, to give them each their separate area. If this does not help, then I think you should look at rehoming them.

Transferring the female in the future is possible.

I have another 10gal cycling.

Would artificial plants achieve this or only the real deal.

How can I know physically if she is pregnant.

 

[dwarfgourami]

I wouldn't bother with the caves- IME a swordtail that wants a cave is not a happy swordtail. Splitting them up is better, getting them a bigger tank would be best of all.