Bullying guppy

Question
Hi, Im quite new to tropical fish (I used to have goldfish which got to over 8 years old) and have "inherited" my sons tank and bought 3 guppies and 2 neons (all male). Within the first week 2 guppies looked nibbled and then died. The remaining 3 fish seemed to get along fine for 2 months so we got another 2 guppies. As soon as we put them in the tank the original guppy went nuts and started attacking the new ones. Ive seperated him off from the others in a breeding net and he seems to have calmed down. Do you think it would be safe to let him back out or should I take him back to the pet shop?

Answer
Hi Belinda,
Sorry to hear that. Guppy aggression like that is very common. You wouldn't think a little pretty fish like that would be so hostile.

Males can be very much bullies towards one another but there are some things you can try. For instance, the more guppies there are, the less chance there is of any one guppy getting singled out and picked on relentlessly.

You can try giving your guppies some time to get use to the new-comers but they will also feel a need to establish their 'dominance' with the new guppies. Providing plenty of places for the newbies to hide is best.

Having him in 'time out' can help. But some males can be relentless no matter what. But don't give up hope, he may settle down after a week or so or maybe sooner.

Best of luck!
Karen~