Only females dieing

[texascajun]

I've been trying to get started on breeding (playing) with guppies. Everytime I buy a female, she dies within 3 days. My males and other fish are fine and frisky as usual. Does anyone know what's up?

[OrionGirl]

I've been trying to get started on breeding (playing) with guppies. Everytime I buy a female, she dies within 3 days. My males and other fish are fine and frisky as usual. Does anyone know what's up?

How many males are in the tank? What kind of guppies are you buying (fancy, feeder)? Could be poor source fish, could be harrassment from too many males. A ratio of 1 male per 3 females is best to spread out the males attention a bit more.

[texascajun]

At first I had 1 male and 1 female. She died. I was told that they were "community" fish and could have like 3 males and 5 females at one time. These are fancy guppies. I currently have just 2 males. I haven't had the chance to replace the females.

[OrionGirl]

Was it just the one female that died? Honestly, it sounds like harrassment. Males are CONSTANTLY trying to breed, and all the attention can stress a female out pretty quick--especially if there is more than one male per female. 'Community' just means that they are okay in appropriate groups and with most other fish--basically, that they won't eat or kill everything else. It doesn't mean they are totally peaceful with all other fish in all circumstances.

[texascajun]

Yeah it was just the female. The stress thing must be it. I'll put several more females and see what happens. Thanks for the info.

[davematthews]

hey, my problem is just the opposite....all my male guppies die , probably 10 over the past 6 months, yet my 6 females never have any problems at all?????
anyone have any ideas???

[OrionGirl]

Depends on the stock, what else is in the tank, etc. Some male guppies aren't very hardy--the big, pretty tails make it harder to swim, meaning it's harder to eat, etc. Try guppies from another store, and make sure they've had them in their tanks for 10-14 days before you buy them.

[davematthews]

Depends on the stock, what else is in the tank, etc. Some male guppies aren't very hardy--the big, pretty tails make it harder to swim, meaning it's harder to eat, etc. Try guppies from another store, and make sure they've had them in their tanks for 10-14 days before you buy them.


thanks for the response.....but I have bought from several different stores, as I thought that may be the problem, it didnt make a difference. As far as waiting 10-14 days, Im not really sure that's possible because they all get shipments every tuesday and its kinda hard to keep track of whats coming and going...

There has to be some reason for them to keep dying off, I just wish I could figure it out. I really want some male guppies!!

[OrionGirl]

Talk with the managers--they might all use the same breeder, meaning the same stock is at all the stores. You might want to try a local fish club, and get some that are being raised locally.