Stocking

[ponyo]

I've got a tank with only 3 fish in, 2 male platys and a danio. The danio has got a lot bigger than we thought he would (was very naive about fish when we bought them) and is constantly attacking and chasing the 2 platys. The smallest platy seems very timid and is hiding all the time. I would like to get a slightly bigger tank but was unsure what fish would go well with the platys. Would it best to find a new home for the danio and get some more fish that are better suited?

 

[Jinty McGinty]

Danios should be kept in groups of 6+

 

[ZoddyZod]

As said above, danios need to be kept in groups or they can become quite 'nippy'. Once in groups they will spend most of their time chasing ech other instead (which is perfectly normal).

What size tank do you have?

 

[ponyo]

Danios should be kept in groups of 6+

Thanks. Would it be best to find a new home for him the? He's my son's (who's 3)fish so he'll be very sad to see him go but we want to do what's best for the fish.
What fish will live more happily with the platys?

 

[ponyo]

they'll be moving into a 60l tank at the weekend.

 

[the_lock_man]

Danios need space to zzzzoooooommmmm, they are very speedy fish. Many people would advise that you need a long tank for them. I kept a group of 6 in a 65l for a while, without any obvious problems, but I am aware that it isn't the ideal situation for them. They also like temperatures on the cooler side.

Pretty much any fish that is sold as a community fish will get on fine with a platy. THat said, not every fish is suitable for a 60l.

Why not take your 3yo out to a range of fish shops, see which ones he and you both like, and post them up (scientific names will help considerably as well). THere'll be plenty of people able to point out any problems, and advise on numbers, etc.