Platy and breeding?

Question
QUESTION: Hi Nathan,

I have this little Platy fish in my 10-gallon tank that someone gave to me. It think it's a male, since it's got a pointed anal fin or whatever it's called. I'm interested in trying to breed them (My mom has a large 50-gallon tank which only has 2 Otocinclus in it!). So, we have lots of space for baby fish. How many females or more males should I buy, and is it hard to breed them?

Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Randy,

You'll be happy to hear that they will breed VERY easily! Platy fish give birth to babies, instead of laying eggs like most fish. They are one of the four 'main' species of Livebearers, which include Guppies, Mollies, and Swordtails.

Keep Platies in groups of more females than males. One male per every 2-3 females is best. This is because males can get a bit aggressive during breeding, and more females will disperse the behavior, so the male can't pick on one individual. remember, one male can fertilize multiple females.

You can also buy a breeding net or breeding box, and this holds the female separately, and the breeding box has a 'v-insert' which separates the fry from the mother, who may sometimes eat her own fry! The box or net will also serve as a fry maturation tank.

You don't have to do anything to get them to mate, they will do so normally under normal conditions.

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Nathan,

How many times should I feed Platy fish? I'm currently using Nutrafin Max flakes, and do I need another type? Thanks, Randy.

Answer
Hi Randy,

Since you are going to be breeding them, it's best if you feed them a varied diet. A varied diet ensures optimal health, and most importantly, the health and quality of both the mother fish AND the new fry.

Feeding them flakes is a good staple diet, but you need to incorporate at least one or more of the following, in addition to the flakes:

-High Quality Algae Wafers
-Freeze dried Brine shrimp
-Freeze dried Daphnia^
-Frozen Brine Shrimp
-Various frozen foods*
-Live brine shrimp

*Frozen foods must be defrosted prior to serving.
^If using Daphnia, only feed 1-3 times a week. It can cause digestive problems if fed too much. (constipation, etc.)

You can feed them two times, with small servings each time. (One in morning, one at night). Remember, your flakes are STILL the 'staple' food, so they will be served most often. Here's an example of a complete feeding routine:

(M-morning E-evening)

Monday: M-Flakes E-Algae Wafer (1)
Tuesday: M-Flakes E-Brine Shrimp
Wednesday: M-Flakes E-Algae Wafer (1)
Thursday: M-Flakes E-Brine Shrimp
Friday: M-Flakes E-Algae Wafer (1)
Saturday and Sunday... so on.

Good Luck, and Happy fishkeeping!