How to tell when a swordtail is about to give birth

move the female to a in-tank birthing box, and then after she gives birth remove the fry to a separate rearing tank.
 
no, you don't actually take her out of the water, it hangs on the side. all you have to do is guide her into it.
 
not really. she can still see her companions, and most likely not be too stressed out. it's worth a try if you want your fry to live.
 
maybe he knows shes gonna give birth soon and wants a morsel...
 
If you cant remove the female to another tank where she is protected and you want the fry to survive then you will have to put her in a floating breeding trap. I often find that as you lower it into the water the guppies become curious and come see what it is and often they swim into all by themselves. Whether they become stressed depends very much from birthing to birthing and from female to female but i have never known it do any real harm. One tip though when she is due to birth leave the light off. Also make sure the trap has alid as other fish can and do sometimes jump in with the female and munch away on the fry to their hearts content
 
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