If one of a small group dies...

stephend · Aug 9, 2005

I had 6 guppies, 3 females and three males, and one of the females died. I am tempted to go out and buy one more female to get the numbers and balance back. However, I wonder of the 5 existing ones will take exception to a newcomer!

What do you think...?

Cheers,

Stephen.

xxSarahxx · Aug 9, 2005

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE!!
I would have said get a new one and even the numbers back out but...I recently tried to add another female and all hell broke out (see post New Guppy - attacked by other guppies) However, I do suspect that there was something wrong with her...parasite or similar....which might be why they turned.
Honestly...I am still going top try and introduce another female in a few days though. I would see how the others get on without her...but the males may fight over the remaining females.
I have to admit...this is not an easy decision and I think you are doing the right thing posting on here! See what happens and what everyone says. I'm sorry if this has confused you more but I thought it best to speak my experiences.
I'll keep an eye on this topic and update as necessary!
Let me know what you decide!

xxSarahxx · Aug 9, 2005

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE!!
I would have said get a new one and even the numbers back out but...I recently tried to add another female and all hell broke out (see post New Guppy - attacked by other guppies) However, I do suspect that there was something wrong with her...parasite or similar....which might be why they turned.
Honestly...I am still going top try and introduce another female in a few days though. I would see how the others get on without her...but the males may fight over the remaining females.
I have to admit...this is not an easy decision and I think you are doing the right thing posting on here! See what happens and what everyone says. I'm sorry if this has confused you more but I thought it best to speak my experiences.
I'll keep an eye on this topic and update as necessary!
Let me know what you decide!

xxSarahxx · Aug 9, 2005

Not sure why or how that came up twice - sorry!!

stephend · Aug 9, 2005

Hmmm.... I'm inclined to leave them for now and see how the 3 males behave with the 2 females. If they start fighting, (or the two remaining females appear exhausted!) it will probably be worth adding another female.

If they are all quite happy, perhaps I should leave the status quo...

Cheers,

Stephen.

blitztidus · Aug 9, 2005

If you would buy another fish. Sometimes they fit like a missing piece of a puzzle, other times its like trying to squeeze a bannana through a phone for someone who want's it on the other side (in other words it just won't work). Just pick the healthiest looking fish their. males might like her more if she isn't pregnant but it doesn't really matter to them most of the time.

annka5 · Aug 10, 2005

3 males and 2 females isn't a good ratio, becuase the males will constantly chase and harass. So I would say, get another female...

tttnjfttt · Aug 10, 2005

Also, I think you need to try to figure out WHY the female died. A good place to start would be by chekcing (and posting) your ammonia, nitrite, nitraAte, pH, tank size and tankmates

mrplaty · Aug 10, 2005

I would advise you to maybe get another 2 females because even with a 1:1 ratio the male still has 1 female to harrass each.

graham

stephend · Aug 10, 2005

All the details of the tank and fish are in THIS thread over in Emergencies.

I must admit, the males are quite persistent with the remaining females.

I feel a trip to the lfs coming on this weekend....

[EDIT] I meant to say, I think her injuries might be related to pregnancy - I can be 100% sure, but I suspect it was she that was HEAVILY pregnant just last week.

Cheers,

Stephen.

abstract · Aug 10, 2005

mrplaty said:
I would advise you to maybe get another 2 females because even with a 1:1 ratio the male still has 1 female to harrass each.

graham

[snapback]867879[/snapback]

that is exactly what i was gonna say :thumbs:

cheekeyarab · Aug 10, 2005

Hi, having read your other thread I would advise waiting before adding fish until you are sure none of the other fish have any of the symptoms your guppy died from.
After some time has passed I would recommend you increase your number of female guppies to at least 6 - at a quick glance you seem to have plenty of space left in the tank to do this.
In the meantime just keep up with the water changes - good luck and sorry for your loss.