Platy Opinions

Twinklecaz · Jul 3, 2010

I thought I'd post this here where more people will see it coz I really wanna get some opinions.

I have 3 male Platys in my tank (along with 2 Honey Gouramis). The problem is that 2 of my Platys I think are picking on the third one. The yellow and black and white one will both kinda chase after each other and barge into each other. I don't worry about these 2 so much because they both give as good as they get (the black and white one is the worst but at least the yellow can and will fight back). My worry is my red one, they both do it to him but he NEVER fights back. All I can assume is he's of a much more docile nature. He's starting to look quite unhappy I think and hiding a fair bit. I had hope this would settle down after a while but it hasn't. My question is this........

Do you think that if I got a fourth Platy it would help the situation? I'm thinking that maybe if there was an even number then it wouldn't constantly be the 2 picking on the one and it might change the dynamics of their group. What do you think? I realise this might be a totally stupid idea but if it is does anyone have any other suggestions?

walkers101 · Jul 3, 2010

get a ratio of 2f 1m?

orangefish · Jul 3, 2010

I agree that adding females may help, as it might take their minds off of bullying the other platy, as long as there is at least a 2 females to 1 male ratio. Adding more males could make the problem worse on one hand as it could mean there are more platies to bully.

I had this problem too with 2 male swordtails, and I found that rescaping the plants and decorations in the tank helps the problem temporarily. They get confused about their boundaries and whose territory is what, so tend not to fight as much. It might be worth trying the rescaping, and if nothing else works, add some denser plants that the platy can hide in.

Twinklecaz · Jul 3, 2010

Hi guys

Thanks. I can't really get females coz a) I can't accomodate all the fry and b) I don't have enough room for the male:female ratio. I think I might try the more plants thing. They have all only been in there about 2 weeks so I'm still hoping it might settle down.

You know I swear it's coz he's such a bright colour and they're not.