Tank Size And Stressed Platy

[ponyo]

I've had 2 platys in a 60l tank for a few months and they've always got on really well with no fighting and they swim around together. I bought a 3rd platy 2 days ago and since then 1 of the original platys has been hidden at the back behind a plant laying on the floor. Whenever he comes out the other original platy chases him back. It doesn't look aggressive chasing, just nudges him back down there, obviously showing his dominance now there's a new male. He hasn't shown any interest in the new platy though and there's been no fighting with him.

I've now read that if keeping all males they should be in a larger group but worried if I add any more that the platy will get even more stressed. Should I try adding another male or leave it a few days to see if the 2 original platys get used to the new fish?

or I was thinking of removing the original 2 and setting up a smaller tank for them since the 2 original platys are my kid's and they keep asking if they can keep them in their bedroom. What's the smallest tank size suitable for 2 platys?

thanks

 

[ponyo]

I've just sat watching them, the original black platy is laying under the bogwood and whenever he pokes his head out the other original micky mouse platy swims over and gently nudges him back underneath then stands guard at the entrance and just waits a few minutes then swims off.

I did think that if there was going to be any issues with dominance then it would be directed at the new fish

 

[the_lock_man]

What are the genders of the fish? If the new one is female, it could be that one is trying to keep the lady for himself.

To answer the specific question, I would say a tank of around 30-35l would be fine for a couple of platies.

 

[ponyo]

What are the genders of the fish? If the new one is female, it could be that one is trying to keep the lady for himself.

This is what I thought might be happening but they're definitely all males. I think I'm going to go get another, if it doesn't work with more then I'll move 2 and put them in my other tank.