Several Question About Guppy And Platy

[fishshl]

1. Can I put guppy and platy together?
I read one article from aquariumfish.net. That doesn't suggest to put those together.

2. And I know guppy and platy both will be raised as at least one male vs two female.
But should I buy same species for the one male and two female.

3. I am a new fishkeeper. It's hard for me to tell male and female platy. Is there any easy way? Can LFS employee pick right one for me?

Thanks.

 

[wood27]

I would put guppys and platys together, but i dont get the part about same species. If you mean color that wont matter, if you mean fancy or common guppies stick to all fancy or common, and i would get either all swordtails or all regular platys. I wouldnt mix one male guppy and two female platys, if you plan to get both guppys and platys, get the trio for both.

Male guppys are more colorful than the females. And the way to tell them apart is their anal fins, the males' are more shredded into usually 2 or 3 parts, and the females' are one full fin as seen in the pic below. For platys it is the same way, check the anal fin. And im sure that if you ask the guy at the store he will give you what you want.

Good Luck!

 

[darkstar22]

...females also have a gravid spot at all times even at 1 week after birth!

I have bred guppies and it can be very obvious once you look at the real thing so here are some picture for you...


Female Below:

you may notice females tend to less colorful, that is unless they are a fancy female guppy. Now notice the red/orange color near here anal fin that indicates it is indeed a female. This is called the "gravid" spot, which can also be a darker color as well. Males do not have this at all!!!

Males Below:

males anal fin seem to be flater and wavy... and males tend to be alot more colorful.

here is a diagram of a male and female as well...

IN this picture the female is on top and the male is on the bottom, hope this helps you with atleast the guppy part. B)

 

[fishshl]

I see, thanks guys.

I will buy 3 platies , then after several weeks go for three guppy. I just experienced my nitrite spike.
I need be careful this time. don't put too much once a time.

What kind of platy do you suggest? Red Wag Tail Platy, Red Wag Tail Platy , dwarf platy or others? which
is hardy or they will stay together well

 

[Annastasia]

Guppies and Platies will be fine together, it's a common combination. Also, as mentioned, do not sex by color or tail size. There are long tailed females and short tailed males. Fancy females too. Go by the anal fin/gonopodium.

Any kind of Platy is fine. They are all the same species, just color variations. They'll hang out and mate together too, no problem.

 

[fishshl]

Thanks, this is very helpful.

 

[wood27]

Glad to be of assistance Good Luck!