How can I tell if my Platy Fish are male of female?

Question

I have 3 Sunburst Platies. One has a black tail and fins. That one tends to constantly bother the other two, so I'm assuming he's the male. Am I right?

Thanks magic man, but your links don't work.

Answer 1

Mollies, Platys, and Swordtails are livebearing fish. The males have a modified anal fin that looks pointed, while the female anal fin is more of a fan. This fin is located on the ventral (belly) side of the fish behind the anus. Also look at the color differences. Usually males are more colorful and smaller in size. And yes, the male will be more dominating, you are absolutely right.

Answer 2

The male platy has a modified fin under his belly that on the female looks like a normal fin. THe males is a thin tube shape. Here's a picture of the fin on a male:
http://www.aqualandpetsplus.com/livebe6....

and a female:
http://www.aquariumfish.net/images_01/go...

A pregnant female will get quite heavy bodied and fat like this one:

http://fishypages.tripod.com/sitebuilder...

MM

Answer 3

you are right, they are livebearers and in livebearers, the males go after the females. if you would like that to stop, I suggest get 2 more females.

magic man's links don't work,but these do. so... male platy... http://www.aqualandpetsplus.com/Livebe6.jpg

and female platy... http://badmanstropicalfish.com/mb_pictures/MM_platy.jpg

see the difference? good luck