Platy Ratio Male To Female

[silver tipped]

Hi,

Can someone tell me once and for all what number of females should be kept for every male. I have read in some places that as long as there is a pair all will be fine, others say 2:1 and yet more say 3:1.

I did have 2 female and 2 male but due to a death ended with 1 female and 2 male. This was ok for a bit but 1 male starting getting a bit possive. I then went and bought 3 more female but when I got home found in fact I had got 2 female and 1 male.

So I now have 3 female and 3 male. All seems to be ok and they have appeared to have paired off quite well. Is it ok just to leave them as there are or should I take back 2 of the males?

Please help

 

[blitztidus]

Sometimes fish do that, but the best ratio is 3:1, 2:1 is ok in some situations, you just seem to be lucky... right now anyways

 

[clareriley]

2-3 femalees per male. a male always harrasses the female and as soon and she has birthed her babies then he is garrassing her again more than ever,. some can die from total stress so its always better. I am keeping 2females per male at the moment but my female isnt looking so hot after the birth of the babies so.. i dunno...

 

[SPLiSH]

If they are okay then leave them as adding an 'odd' fish may upset the nice balance you have going.

I personally believe 3:1 is the best ratio.

 

[silver tipped]

Hi,

I had to go to my lfs at weekend so enquired there about my problem. He said that yes 3:1 OR 2:1 was indeed best but if they had paired off it was better to leave them alone rather than stress them further. The problem would really start if there were more males to females because then they would fight for supremecy.

Thanks for all your help but everyone is getting on ok so I am going to leave them to it.