Odd Male Platy Behavior?

[kohyuta]

Greetings all...

I've a 12 gallon (Eclipse 12) that has 2 mollies, 3 platys, and 2 ottos. My last original mickey mouse female died (had 2), so I got a red wag and a gold twin-bar, both females, to succeed her. The male mickey mouse is an original, and seems to be at the side of Goldie most of the time. What puzzles me is that he seems to go after Red in an attacking vs. mating way. Is this normal? I thought the male platy was a mating machine, and yet it looks like he dislikes Red to the point of chasing her away anytime she comes near Goldie. Could he be mistaking her for another male? And though there are plenty of hiding spots for Red, is there anything else I can do to help her, as she seems a bit stressed and hides quite a bit.

Thanks in advance!

 

[lil.guppy]

I dont have too much experience with breeding platies, but add lots of hiding places for the females and try to make a 3 female per male ratio if at all possible.