Platys Eating My Plants?

[CPARKTX]

I have a 20g planted tank with three Red Wag Platys, who seem to be eating my plants (2 - 3 different varieties). I can see the pecking on leaves, and there appear to be big chunks of leaves missing. Is that normal? Does that need I need to feed them more? I don't want to overfeed.

 

[Delapool]

I'd suspect that is normal and probably wouldn't feed any extra (the roughage is great for them). Sadly not so great for your plants - I find I either have to grow plants faster than the fish can eat or get tougher ones that they don't like so much. Any algae on plants I find is considered fair game to keeping plants healthy does help.


But I feel your pain. At one stage I was just buying some plants each week hoping the more expensive ones would be left alone.

 

[toolman]

I've had 10-12 platys and 4-6 swordtails in my 75gallon planted tank for over 1 1/2 yrs. and have never noticed them eating plants just nibbling on the algae, but I'm not positive they won't and trust the opinion that they do. I do suffer some plant losses, but my wife helps with the trimming and has her own tank (55gal guppy mansion with 9yr old Daughter) so plants get moved a lot.

I have found wisteria to be a good choice for this reason, grows fast and provides lots of cover, just keep replanting the cuttings. Maybe they'll leave your other plants alone somewhat then.

 

[Barliman]

I've kept platys for years, and I don't think I've ever seen them eating live plant matter, other than to pick at algae.