Sudden Swordtail Aggression

[Mr Melt]

Allright lads.

I have the following in my 50 litre:

x1 Male Siamese Fighter
x1 Male Swordtail (mixed with platys instore; possibly hybridised?)
x1 Male Platy
x2 Unsexed Honduran Redpoints (temporary until they grow up!)
x2 Male Endlers Livebearers
x7 Male Cardinal Tetras (I think/hope!)

Up until recently they have all got on fine. They have all been living together happily for the past 4 or 5 months, with no infighting or aggression (apart from the Redpoints who were added a month ago). However recently there has been a LOT of aggression from my little swordtail - he only attacks the same sized platy: its not normal, as he only attacks when he sees him (even from the other side of the tank).

On Saturday I unpotted all the plants in the tank and rebinded them (with lead wire), and also added some new plants. Could this cause a shift in the pecking order by any chance?

Sorry, I'm just wondering whats causing this completely sudden nasty behaviour from my Swordtail.....

PS - As far as I know my platy or no other fish has any fin damage or injuries. Also when watching my Swordtail give chase I have never seen him directly nip the platy =/

Anyone any ideas?

 

[Zyden]

It sounds a little like you're overstocked. I run a 70L and I only keep 6-8 fish at any time in there. Could last month's additions have pushed your swordtail over the edge and made him aggressive?

 

[Fishy friend2]

Lead wire!!!!! if I'm right I think that lead is supposed to kill fish because it is a heavy metal

 

[Mr Melt]

It sounds a little like you're overstocked. I run a 70L and I only keep 6-8 fish at any time in there. Could last month's additions have pushed your swordtail over the edge and made him aggressive?

Thanks - I was thinking that; I don't have a choice though; the Redpoint babies are literally under an inch long. If I were to put them in my 200 litre tank at the moment........ you can readily guess the outcome of such a task....

 

[Mr Melt]

Lead wire!!!!! if I'm right I think that lead is supposed to kill fish because it is a heavy metal

Nah; I've done my research - apparently there are no adverse effects on fish behaviour (or fish deaths) from plant weights (bought from a specific specialist aquatic store locally )

The overstocked theory sounds more likely to be honest.

 

[Mr Melt]

EDIT - Doublepost =/

 

[Fishy friend2]

Yeah I guess it is because of it being over stocked

 

[Louiseness]

I'd guess it's just from them being two males of a pretty much the same species - especially if the sword is a hybrid. I know they aren't necessarily shoaling fish but maybe he's just decided he's the dominant male

 

[lilfishie]

ideally when keeping only male livebearers you need at least 5 of each to prevent this happening, Swordtails are a complete different matter though i believe unless its a 3ft tank then 1 male is the limit