Platy getting harrassed.

[barbiya]

I'm concerned for one of my female platties. I caught her hiding in some grass last weekend, thought she was sick. I watched for a long time, and saw that when she dared to venture out, my male would chase her incessantly around the tank.

I'm feel so bad for her, I'm considering getting another tank set up to eventually transfer her. She spends so much time hiding, she is not enjoying her free time!

Is this just an attempt at mating on his part, or is he a bully, tormenting her?

 

[Sea_Monster87]

I think its a bit of both. The female won't mate, but the male wants her too, so every time she comes out she gets chased. This will probably continue untill either she mates, or dies from stress. Its good that she has a hiding place, but once you get a new tank setup like you mentioned I'd move her out. Just make sure she's eating, and shes not getting hurt untill she can be moved.

 

[barbiya]

Thanks, Sea Monster. I've never kept Platties before, and know nothing about them. But that male is acting just evil, no matter what kind of fish! I hope the girl can hang in there, cause it'll be awhile before I can get a new tank setup and cycled. I'll keep you posted!

 

[Sea_Monster87]

Thats typical mating behavior, they get aggressive and really territorial. Mine sometimes mate, and the way they act gets really anoying after a while. If it gets really bad, you could always put the male or the female in a fish bowl for a while.