Are my platys all female?

[lizzie0607]

Hi I'm very new to this!

According to my local pet shop all 3 platys are female, however the largest platy is constantly chasing the two others and I'm not convinced that it isn't a male?

I have added a photo.
Thank you [emoji4]

 

[lizzie0607]

Here is another photo, anyone?

 

[Fresh2o]

The pics aren't very clear but the largest one might be a male. What you are looking for is the shape of the anal fin. That is the single fin on the bottom. If it is fan or triangular shaped, then it is a probably female. Else, it is male.
Google images for "gonopodium".
Hard to tell, but the other reddish orange one might be male as well.

 

[lizzie0607]

Thank you for your reply.
Sorry I know the photos aren't great, it was very hard to take them as they wouldn't stay still! Have had a look on Google and it seems the only female is the more yellow one!

 

[Fresh2o]

There is a ratio that works out best for live bearers. I can't recall what it is but surely someone will chime it with this.
Now you know. Not going to get on a soapbox about pet store employees, but the best thing you can do is research. I don't do impulse purchases. I do scout out potential new additions well in advance. Not always easy to do but it can prevent problems down the road.

 

[KingKoopa512]

3f to every 1m

 

[KingKoopa512]

Miss my Montezuma swordtails

 

[lizzie0607]

Managed to get a better photo and I think this one is female too? The big red platy is definitely male though.

 

[Fresh2o]

Managed to get a better photo and I think this one is female too? The big red platy is definitely male though.

View attachment 290595

Yes, this one is female

 

[lizzie0607]

Thought so. Not too bad then, better than two males pestering one female. I may get one more female then to meet the recommended ratio ? any excuse!