baby guppies biting male guppie

Question
Dear Chris,
I am having a problem with some baby guppies biting the tail of my oldest male guppie (Blackie).  Blackie was being chased by 1 baby guppie for a few hours, later I found Blackie at the bottom of the tank with 3 babies biting at his top fin.  The babies are about 1 mth old and there is alot of them.  The tank is 1.5 gallon, there are 5 large male guppies, an algae eater, and several baby guppies totaling 42 fish.  (Its a little crowded and I'm trying to give away some babies.)  They don't seem to be bothering any other older guppies so I have removed Blackie from the tank.  I tried to put him back in the next day and the process started over immediately.  He is now in a jar by himself.  Blackie is my oldest fish and I'd like to give him his home back.  Some advice would be helpful.  Thanks in advance.  Sincerely,      Worried about Blackie

Answer
Hi Ann Marie;

He will need to be by himself, at least until he heals up from the wounds. The other fish are often attracted to open wounds or torn fins where blood and other body fluids will come out. You may not see it but the other fish know it's there. Keep his water very clean so he doesn't develop an infection.

Get those guys a bigger tank right away too. They'll love you for it! If you don't, you will start losing them very soon from lack of oxygen and excess waste as they all grow. It's just far too crowded in there so they will also get frustrated at being so cramped and bite each other.

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins