Platy Harassment

[xoedusk]

We have 3 platies in our 20 long US gallon tank, one male (Houdini) and two females (Tonya and Blondie). Houdini got his thing on with Blondie a while back; out popped a few fry (mmm... rasboras say they taste good).

Anyways, Houdini is being an ass toward his children's mother now. Anytime they cross paths, either she will dart away (in which case he follows her) or he will initiate the chase. This probably occurs every 10 minutes.

In addition, Houdini is constantly following (but not chasing) Tonya around. He displays his finnage and we've seen him exercise his gonopodium with her once. We think he's telling Blondie to get away from his current woman, Tanya.

Our question is, would removing Houdini from the tank for a while help the situation? Would it make him feel less secure/cocky/bold/territoral/mannish when he is re-introduced? We have a 5.5 US quarentine tank that is not being used.

Adding more females is not an option, we are planning to get some panda cories for the tank. They are so cute!

Any ideas?

 

[Glod]

He's a male platy. Think hormone crazed teenager... If there's a girl around he'll try and get it on with her.
Are there places for the females to hide ? In my tank the girls generally just go hide for a while when the male bugs them too much. My tank is pretty well planted with lots of bogwood to hide under/behind. Maybe some plants or a cave or something if you don't already have them.

 

[xoedusk]

Here are some pictures to give you a better idea of the hideout space in the tank.

The problem is, even if Blondie is in the cave or under the in the swordtails, Houdini will flare and chase if he happens upon her.

 

[xoedusk]

Any ideas?