Should I Add More Platys

[Dana C]

Hi,

I have 1 platy in my tank which has been alone for about 6 months, I started with 2 but they were both males and they used to fight alot and I think he killed the other one.
I was thinking of getting some females for him and was wondering if these was a good idea or is it better to leave him on his own?
If I do get females how many should I get and does it matter what colours?

Thanks in advance for any comments.

 

[mommyof2bettas]

I find that with agressive males, it's best not to add anything as even with the 2:1 ratio he'll probably harass the females a lot. You could try it with 3 females but it might not work.

 

[tamara]

With what i've read i would at least get three females or more.
-What size of tank do you have--and are there any other fish in there?

 

[Dana C]

Thanks for your reply,

Maybe I will leave him on his own then I just thought he may be lonely. He is never aggressive to any of the other fish but he just hated that other platy, but I wouldn't want to add anything that may cause problems.
The tank is 180 litres with neons, glowlights, harlequins, dwarf rainbowfish and cories.

 

[tamara]

If you have space get 2-4 more females, and he should be fine, just make sure it's a 2f-1m ratio!
and good luck with your platy! [i love them!]

 

[Dana C]

If I do get more does it matter what colour as they have loads of different ones in our local shop.

 

[LilMuppet]

No, it shouldn't matter at all.

I have an odd mix of a male that has 4 females, 3 sunset wags, 1 red platy and it doesn't seem to bother him, he'll chase them all.

 

[tamara]

i only have guppies...but they're all from green to yellow, purple to blue, black to orange. So i'm sure it's not big deal!

 

[*Fishkies*]

Nah color wouldn't really matter. Personal preference basically, because if he wants to mate, he'll mate. Also I'd go with no less then 2 females if you do decide to get more, especially if "he" is the aggressive one.

Good Luck!

 

[wendywc]

If he is a pretty or popular color/pattern, then I would be more apt to get females in the same color/pattern. That way the fry wouldn't be mixed mutts and maybe then your LFS would be more likely to take any unwanted fry off your hands. Don't know if this would be an issue for you or your LFSs though. I know my LFSs are very forgiving about rehoming fish, but maybe yours are more strict.

 

[Dana C]

Thanks for your replys,

I will think about getting 3 females to keep him happy, our local shop has some blue ones which look really nice.

 

[corey01]

i found that 3 females to one male didnt work ! he seemed to choose the one he fancied and didnt stop chasing her! my blue mickey mouse platy wont take his horny behevior and scares him off¬!