Help with pregnant swordtail

[racergirl]

Hi,

I had a swordtail given to me by my sister on May 17, it was showing signs of being pregnant (I could see visable eyes and such) but I don't know how far along she is so I don't know when to put her in the breeder. Anyone have any helpful hints so I know when she is due? This is my first livebearer pregnancy. Also, this afternoon she developed a problem with her top lip. It appears to either be missing or she has her mouth open, I am leaning with the first choice. WHat might cause this and how should I go about fixing it? I don't want to lose her, especially before she gives birth. Thanks

Amy

[OrionGirl]

What are your plans for the babies? If you don't have any--ie, either a tank to raise them in, someplace to sell them to, or a friend to pawn them off on, I would just let nature takes it's course. A few may survive if you have good hiding places, but if you don't have the accomodations to deal with a ton of swords, I wouldn't make heroic efforts.

Otherwise, it usually takes about 2-3 weeks for the complete cycle. Without knowing how far along she was when you got her, no way to say for sure. I'd go with at least 1 week, but no more than 10 days.

On the lip--any ideas how this might have happened? Any tank mates that might have taken a bite? Water conditions that could be contributing?

[racergirl]

Originally posted by OrionGirl
What are your plans for the babies?

I have a 55 with only 10 small fish so I'd like to keep a few..

On the lip--any ideas how this might have happened? Any tank mates that might have taken a bite? Water conditions that could be contributing?

Well, all of her tank mates are peaceful (tetras, platies gouramis) so I don't think it is them. Could it be some kind of rot similar to fin rot? How can I tell if it is disease or injury? And how would I treate her depending on what it is? Thanks for all the help

[ChilDawg]

Gouramies aren't really that peaceful...I think that their territorial natures may have actually caused aggression toward the swordtail.

[optix]

Originally posted by ChilDawg
Gouramies aren't really that peaceful...I think that their territorial natures may have actually caused aggression toward the swordtail.


as do I