Hello,
I am very much a beginner to keeping fish. One week ago I got two male guppies because I am not necessarily interested in breeding. I have a ten gallon tank and the inspiration to get fish came from my four and seven year old kids. I had no idea how much time I would spend thinking about and troubleshooting these fish. After a day or so I started to notice that the bigger more vibrant male was constantly harassing the smaller one. At first I thought it was playful but could tell pretty quickly that it was bullying. After doing some research I learned that keeping two males is less than ideal for this very reason. I also learned that adding more fish too quickly could also be a problem. So the plan was to wait another week and add four females to "solve the problem." Well this morning we woke up to a dead fish (the one that was being bullied). My kids were pretty sad and the remaining fish was pacing for many hours (he started doing this yesterday when the now dead fish was hiding from him and barely swimming).
I decided it was worth a try to add 4 females plus another male today, following the ratio recommendation. As soon as the fish were added to the tank the same fish started chasing, nipping and relentlessly chasing every fish regardless of sex. After witnessing this for almost an hour I removed him and enough water to keep him separated so I could observe the fish without him there. The new fish are quite peaceful together. I watched them on and off for about an hour. Feeling bad for the fish I separated, I put him back in and he went right back at it so I removed him again. I realize I may be overreacting but he clearly killed his last tank mate and I don't want this to keep happening. Advice would be greatly appreciated.
Gratefully,
Streak
I am very much a beginner to keeping fish. One week ago I got two male guppies because I am not necessarily interested in breeding. I have a ten gallon tank and the inspiration to get fish came from my four and seven year old kids. I had no idea how much time I would spend thinking about and troubleshooting these fish. After a day or so I started to notice that the bigger more vibrant male was constantly harassing the smaller one. At first I thought it was playful but could tell pretty quickly that it was bullying. After doing some research I learned that keeping two males is less than ideal for this very reason. I also learned that adding more fish too quickly could also be a problem. So the plan was to wait another week and add four females to "solve the problem." Well this morning we woke up to a dead fish (the one that was being bullied). My kids were pretty sad and the remaining fish was pacing for many hours (he started doing this yesterday when the now dead fish was hiding from him and barely swimming).
I decided it was worth a try to add 4 females plus another male today, following the ratio recommendation. As soon as the fish were added to the tank the same fish started chasing, nipping and relentlessly chasing every fish regardless of sex. After witnessing this for almost an hour I removed him and enough water to keep him separated so I could observe the fish without him there. The new fish are quite peaceful together. I watched them on and off for about an hour. Feeling bad for the fish I separated, I put him back in and he went right back at it so I removed him again. I realize I may be overreacting but he clearly killed his last tank mate and I don't want this to keep happening. Advice would be greatly appreciated.
Gratefully,
Streak