Platy Bully

[trev2004]

I had 4 platies that were getting along great, and just the other day I got 2 more. After I added in my two new fish, one of my blue male platies started to flare and attack the new female platy. Now he has started to attack all of my orange platies including my new one, that has become skiddish. He sometimes on rare occasions attacks the other blue platies. I don't think its territorial because he will attack them all over the tank. By attack, he flares and strikes at the other platies, after the poor platy victim darts off he leaves him/her alone, but he keeps doing it repeatedly. Any ideas why he is doing it? I am thinking about taking him back to the LFS to get a different kinder platy. Thanks
Trevor

 

[QHowes]

Hi Trevor...

Do you know how many females you have and how many males you have? If not refer to our Pinned articles on livebearers. A common problem with livebearers such as plattys is that there are more males than females and the females constantly get harrased by the horny males. It usually best to have 2 or three females for every male. (1 male = 2 or 3 females). Hopefuly this would solve your problem. If not than perhaps if this problem becomes more persistant you might need to separate the fsh. How long has this been going on?

Regards,
Quinton

 

[trev2004]

Thanks for the fast response Quinton! I think that might be the problem, because I have 3 males and 3 females. I think I should take 1 or maybe 2 males back to the LFS and get females. I would definately take back the bully. Do you think I should take 1 or 2 back and get females instead? Thanks again!
Trevor

 

[trev2004]

Sorry, since I just got the 2 platies on Friday, it's been happening for two days.

 

[QHowes]

No problem Trev thats what we are all here for!
You can take 1 or 2 back to be honest. If you think that the two new plattys are te bullies than take them both back for females..if its just one than try your luck with 2 males and 4 females. I have 1 male and 3 females right now and i have never had a problem. Good luck!

 

[maestro]

i had 2 males and 2 females (assistant assured me it was 3-1 and stupidly i didnt check properly) and it it was a distaster, the smaller male got bullied and then both the males bullied the females so i took the smaller male back and got another female to make it 3-1 and now they all get on just great!