guppies fighting

[jojo71]

Two of my male guppies keep bashing each other with thier tails. they get close to each other, go still and them bash! whats that all about?

Also i think i have one female in there (not by choice) she has a much smaller tail, but no other obviously features... is she a female?

thanks in anticipation of your comments

Jo

[Lady Hobbs]

Those with the small tails and less colorful are the females. The males are fighting over the female. You need more females in the tank than males.

(Moved your post to the livebearer section)

[Gisela]

I kind of gave up on fancy guppies, because their constant fighting and bullying of one victim (had all males). Had some females in another tank which came along fine, but want other fish in there, too. So didn't get new ones. All I have now, are 6 male feeder guppies I saved. They don't fight and are in my 55 gallon.

[jojo71]

ok thanks.. her tail is a lovely orange colour, little pattern to it. would they still fight over her, even tho i have not noticed any of them taking any notice of her, or maybe it's just that i haven't seen it!?

I've had them for 5 days, can i safely add more females now?

Jo

[jojo71]

Thanks Angel

If they dont stop will have to so something. I don't think they hurting one another, they are not bumping each other with thier noses. but will keep an eye on them..

Jo

[Lady Hobbs]

If you have perhaps 3 F to 1 M, the males will direct their attention to the F rather than each other. And you'll get a bunch of "freebies" swimming around.

[gadget228]

Not only are the males going to clash over her, the males are going to pester her to death. 3 females to 1 male is a good ratio. If you don't have room for another 5 females consider re homing her, with no female to clash over they won't fight as much.

[jojo71]

thanks all

gadget I have a 56lt tank. 6 males, 1 female ad 2 tail light tetras. based on that many females would be sensible to get?

J

[gadget228]

If you have 6 male guppies then you would want at least 12 females but getting that many will overstock your tank a lot.

[SkipW]

Isn't this tank still cycling? Don't add any more fish until it fully cycles.
And if you're going to add more females, you'll need a much larger tank.

[jojo71]

Thanks tank is cycled now... No ammonia showing up and nitrite is 0. So am good to go

[sp00f]

I'd see if the fish place will let you trade in some of the males for females, aren't female guppies usually cheaper too?

also! if they're all bullying one individual, even if there's no physical damage or wounds, he can still die from the stress of being picked on - I had this happen with a female molly who was relentlessly bullied by the other two. Fish will also go after an individual who's showing signs of sickness so keep an eye out for that.