just got my first fish tank set up and ready to put fish in. i was sold two male and one female sword tails. now i learn that there should be more females than males. will it be all right anyway or shall i try and swop one male for another female? i have a 70 l tank and plan to have guppies and mollies as well. can anybody give some advise as i feel badly advised by the pet shop??? thanks jo-an
2007-08-31 17:57:22 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
First, swordtails do need to be kept in a ratio of 3 females for every male. Out of all the live bearing fish, swordtail males are the most aggressive and show the most dominant male behavior. If possible swap out one male for a female.
Second, mollies will breed with swortails so you should count them together when figuring out the ratio so if you have a male molly and a male sword tail you should have 5 or 6 females between the mollies and swordtails. If I was getting the fish you listed I would get one male swordtail and then for all the others between mollies and swordtails, I would try to get females.
Profiles for mollies, guppies and swordtails can be found at the site listed below. I have several years of experience with keeping mollies and platys. Email me if you have any questions.
2007-09-04 14:51:04 · answer #1 · answered by Dustinius 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you sure your tank has cycled?? I would keep what you have and wait a coupla weeks before adding to it. Your tank will have an ammonia spike if not completely cycled If your fish have survived the next two weeks, then get a few more females they are pretty and not too expensive. Where I live, the pet shops do not take back "live fish" only the dead with a receipt for replacement since they have no idea what is in your tank.
2007-09-04 20:01:12 · answer #2 · answered by tanked 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A 70 gallon tank is pretty big so try adding 2 more female sword tail mollies so the male sword tail mollies have a choice of what females they want to mate with
2007-09-01 02:01:44 · answer #3 · answered by kbecking 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
There should be a three female to one male ratio IF you are wanting to breed. The male swords are much prettier than the females, males are only ones whom have the sword the females just look somewhat like platties. Don't swap out, wait a week or two and add three more fish. Female or male does not matter it is what YOU prefer to view in your tank. Platties, Mollys and Swords all get along in community tanks just fine. Mix and match to your liking. My personal favorites are red velvet swords and mickey mouse platties. Remember it is your tank and your fish. Put in what you like to see not what someone says you "have to have". Let breeding take its natural course (they know what they are doing just like we do) you will enjoy just watching life.
2007-09-01 01:21:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are right, swordtail groups need more females than males. Exchange for a female. You have the right to give the store a hard time if they refuse.
2007-09-01 01:50:21 · answer #5 · answered by revernance 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should buy few more female swordtails.
A 70 l tank is big enough to have 5-6 swordtails in it.
2007-09-01 04:32:03 · answer #6 · answered by zsozso 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can always have a male only tank, that way you don't have to worry about fry
But you should definately get more females, or swap your female for a male
they don't fight, they just stress out the female and it will die because of the males constantly drying to mate with her
Hope that helps
Good luck
EB
2007-09-01 11:25:51 · answer #7 · answered by Kribensis lover 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The males will fight to the death.
I've seen it with my own eyes.
DEFINITELY swap one out, and complain to the manager of the store.
2007-09-01 01:08:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋