Platys not breeding!

[nj96]

Hey! Gotta ask! When I started the tank up about 5 months ago, I started with 2 platys and 3 tetras. The same 2 platys are in there and nothing! Just curious as to why? He's definitely chasing her around. I've been toying with the idea of getting some more platys to give her a break. Maybe 3 more females and maybe another male.

I'm just curious as to what's going on. Is she really a male? Does he have bad breath? Does he swim up to her and say "Let's re-arrange the alphabet and put U and I together..."

Thanks in advance!

-Dan

 

[Kiarra]

You DEFINITELY should get at least one more female Platy to take the pressure off the one female. It's possible he's bred with her, and that she has become pregnant, but she has aborted due to the stress of the male harrassing her.

It also takes about two months on average for a Platy from insemination to labor.

Also, the Tetras should be kept in groups of 5+. They feel safer in groups of five or more, and do much better.

 

[terrorist_124]

i agree , put 1 or 2 more females

 

[Polardbear]

He definately needs to work on his pick up lines!

Have you noticed over the last 5 months if she's gotten fat and then thin again? Or has she stayed the same size?

How big is the tank they are in?

A few friends would probably help her out a lot and maybe he'll have better luck with more to choose from.

 

[Def]

It also takes about two months on average for a Platy from insemination to labor.

No, normally less than a month.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

What size tank are they in and does it have any planted areas in it? What are your water stats like ammonia, nitrates and nitrite?
I agree you need at least another female or two to help take some of the presure off your current female from the male and help dpread his attention more evenly.

 

[OrkyBetta]

add a drop of pure vodka per every gallon in the tank...

just kidding. I second the statement of popping in a few more females.

 

[nj96]

I was thinking about getting the female drunk but then I remembered that it's illegal in this state... Roofie-colada anyone?!? (Family Guy thing)

The tanks a 72 gallon with plenty of hiding spaces. She does a pretty good job of it, but he always ends up rooting her out. Maybe it is the stress of his badgering. I don't remember her getting fatter (even though she says her thighs look big).

I was actually hoping that you guys would say that as I've been itching to get a few more fish. Do you think a couple females and no males or another male, too? The guy I have has been the lone male for a while, I'm not sure how territorial they are.

Kiarra - We've since gotten 3 more tetras and they're happy with their mini gang of 6.

Thanks guys (and gals)!
-Dan

 

[paige]

put a couple more females in
just got to say love your pic orkybetta

 

[GSD]

mine havent bred ither!Its really diszapointing but ive tried everything nothing will work

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Apart from having the gender ratios, you've also got create a stress-free enviroment for them i.e providing lots of planted areas and good water quality to help them breed.
Also if they are been stressed out by other fish alot at day or night, this can also prevent them from breeding.

 

[nj96]

OK, here's what we did. Since I was hankering for some new fish anyway, we took a drive to the pet store. I was looking for 3 females (to really spread his affection around) but they only had two. We went with some beauty bright-yellow mickey-mouse platys. They're awesome! Tiny, but awesome!

We also got 3 more columbian tetras to finish off their school at 9. I didn't realize how big my fish have gotten. The ones we bought looked a LOT bigger in the store - she gave us the three largest ones and they're half the size of our biggest one. They did their normal "I'm tougher than you" thing and now everything's calmed down a bunch and everyone knows where they are in the hierarchy.

The male platy was already wooing them while they were still in the bag. Once they were out, he was going nuts! I lost track of the existing female and I couldn't find her until tonight. I guess she was having a well-deserved rest!

I'll post some pics once I get them off my camera!

-Dan

 

[nj96]

Here's some pics:

One of the new girls:

The guy's new favorite hobby:

The new girls together:

Here's one of the big guys:

It looks like the male has calmed down a ton since the new females came into play. Thanks a bunch for your advice! I hope the new females grow a bit. It's a little scary how much bigger he is than them!

-Dan

 

[Iron Man]

Yes getting her drunk will most likely work. Especially if it is the weekend and she's in a good mood. It helps if she's a blonde.

 

[NinjaSmurf]

I'm going to say the one thing that I think is the issue, and which has not been mentioned.

The tetras. They look bigger than the platies, and I highly doubt they would pass up any fry they happen to see, so perhaps this is why no fry.

Just my thought, so it could be wrong.