New fish=aggressive play

**Robert Phillips** · 04-29-2012, 10:25 PM

I am fairly new to the aquarium world; I just cycled my tank maybe a month ago. Anyway, I have a 10g freshwater tank that has had a platy and a molly (and a hatchetfish that died about a week ago). Today I purchased another platy, a snail and some live plants and, ever since the additions, the existing platy has been acting aggressive toward the new one. Is this normal for a platy? If so, will it possibly go away?

By the way, my levels are all normal so, besides adding the plants, snail and platy and doing a partial water change today, they shouldn't be under any crazy amount of stress. I am, however, treating the tank with ich medication as a precaution because my hatchetfish had it but I only have a few more days of treatment left and none of the fish are experiencing any symptoms.

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance!

**ScottishFish** · 04-29-2012, 10:34 PM

Sounds like you've got a male and a female, and the male is hassling the female.

On a seperate note; mollies and platys are messy fish, so for a 10g toxins like ammonia could build up quickly, keep up on your water changes

**Robert Phillips** · 04-29-2012, 10:41 PM

Originally Posted by ScottishFish

Sounds like you've got a male and a female, and the male is hassling the female.

On a seperate note; mollies and platys are messy fish, so for a 10g toxins like ammonia could build up quickly, keep up on your water changes

Pardon my ignorance but could this be temporary or would it be wise to replace the new platy?

I am on top of water changes like....butter on toast? Lol I test and change weekly and vacuum ever other week right now. I'm hoping the live plants will also help me keep things regulated. I plan on upgrading to at least a 50g in the fall.

EDIT: Should mention I am doing small water changes every other day while on the ich meds.

**Goes to 11!** · 04-29-2012, 10:45 PM

Click here to see how to sex your live bearers.

**ScottishFish** · 04-29-2012, 10:49 PM

Males are persistent, very persistent. They are advised to be kept in a ratio of 1m 3f, this spreads the males attention. A 10g is too small for 4 platies/mollies I think, so maybe until you get a 50g rehome them all (after free of ich) and stock smaller fish? 1 betta? Or 10 white cloud minnows, or micro rasbora. They are a less of a strain on filter and not so messy, will be less hassle and shall lessen the chances of an ammonia spike. Just a suggestion

**Robert Phillips** · 04-30-2012, 12:02 AM

Originally Posted by 850R

Click here to see how to sex your live bearers.

Yep, I have a male and a female.

**Robert Phillips** · 04-30-2012, 12:04 AM

Originally Posted by ScottishFish

Males are persistent, very persistent. They are advised to be kept in a ratio of 1m 3f, this spreads the males attention. A 10g is too small for 4 platies/mollies I think, so maybe until you get a 50g rehome them all (after free of ich) and stock smaller fish? 1 betta? Or 10 white cloud minnows, or micro rasbora. They are a less of a strain on filter and not so messy, will be less hassle and shall lessen the chances of an ammonia spike. Just a suggestion

Easier said than done. I don't exactly have a bunch of people to rehouse these fish. I'll most likely have to stay with what I have for now, although I may be able to trade the new platy in for a male.

**imma24** · 04-30-2012, 02:21 AM

If you can do that it would be great. I just purchased 4 platys - 1 male & 3 females. When I was in the store, I asked the employee "Do you know how to sex them? And how many males are in the tank?" She could see a few of them.

It's wise before purchasing fish to know whether you need to be careful in sexing them - sometimes a male needs a few females, sometimes a fish needs to be alone, sometimes a few males is fine - there are territorial fish & those who look to mate all the time ; )