Male To Female Ratio

[Kevinator]

In another thread I was told that my Molly female to male should be at least 2:1. What about ratios for guppies, platys, swordtails etc.

 

[*Fishkies*]

At the minimum it should be 2 females to 1 male. However it could also be 3 females to 1 male, which is usually nicer. Another combination would be 4 females to 2 males. So at least you should have 2 females to 1 male, and build from there.

 

[theotheragentm]

For the first male, I would go with three females. After that, two per male should be fine. I normally call it a 2.5:1 female to male ratio. This goes for just about any livebearer as it gives the females a break. This will give you lots more fry though.

 

[Kevinator]

Hmmmmm my guppies are 1:1, swordtail 1:1 and my platys are all dudes!

 

[helterskelter]

Swordtails are happiest to only having 1 male per tank, they get very territorial, if you u get more than one then keep it to around 1 male per square foot of surface area, and 2 females to each male

With the rest follow theotheragentm advice

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Hmmmmm my guppies are 1:1, swordtail 1:1 and my platys are all dudes!

You should definately get some more swordtail and guppy females as the current ones will be getting far too harassed by the males just on their own. How many male platys do you have and what are the exact numbers of types of other fish that you have in the tank at current?

 

[LilMuppet]

Poor females!!

I have a very 'randy' male who is forever chasing the females so I have a ratio of 4:1 BUT I have a swordtail male who is part of the group although he never chases the females quite like my Tuxedo, Merlin.