kgessex

I'm in desperate need of help ASAP. I have 4 platy, 2 female, 2 male. Tehy're currently all in a stand off, fighting. They've been peaceful, well, all but one female has, until now. Not sure what to do. All conditions are ideal. I gave blood worms as a treat earlier, and ever since they're been fighting. If I turn the light off, they settle down somewhat, but still have stand offs.

(stand offs; two fish near each other, tails arched, fins fully flared. After a short time of that, they begin biting each other. Neither gives in, both keep it up until I break it up or turn their light off again.)

kgessex

Sorry, I should have also added, it's a 5 gallon, have had it for 2.5 weeks. One female has always been overly aggressive. Earlier this morning, she was chasing all the others continuously. She's done that before and it stopped on it's own. This time, however, one of the most peaceful ones got uptight and started the stand off with her. After that, the other two got involved.

tomchitown

hi, welcome to fishlore.... i think a 5 gallon tank should be for 1 platy not 4 maybe you need a bigger tank

maybe this link will help you http://www.fishlore.com/Profiles-Platy.htm

kgessex

Hi, and thanks for the info. That could be. I do have a friend who has had platy for a few years, 3 in a 5 gallon, with no issue. He said if it was just one, he'd separate, but being all doing it, he has no idea. If that is the case, at this point, I don't have the immediate option of getting a larger tank, so need to figure something out for the smaller tank for the time being.

kgessex

...read the link, thanks again. I will work on getting a 10 gallon asap. The light being turned off, for now, has helped. I'll try turning it on again later and see how it goes.

Drew 43920

A 5 gallon tank is too small for four Platys. The fish are stressed.
A 10 gallon would be barely big enough.
Platy are live bearers and I think a good ratio is 3 females for each male.
I wonder if your tank (2.5 weeks old) is ready ready for fish ?
Do you have a test kit to see what your water is like ?
4 Platys in a 20 gallon would probably not fight at all.

agabr123

as drew43920 stated, your male to female ratio is definitely a problem, if you can i'd return one of the males and get another female so that 1. the two males won't fight and 2. one female won't be constantly harassed by the same male, he'll have to divide his time. however even with that change, you'll definitely want a 10 or 20 gallon tank, and a 10 would be a bit crowded but definitely an improvement.

here's a stocking list i've put together so you can get an idea of what would best fit in a 5 gallon tank
Work In Progress: Freshwater Community Stocking List