My swordtail is having babies RIGHT NOW! (whats next?)

J

JamesBenjamin

Hopeless Romantic
Nov 7, 2002
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NoVA
www.thejoyofliving.net
We've had her in a 10g 'breeding' tank that I (thankfully) put her in this morning. so she started popping them out, 2 sofar. She's swimming up and down against the glass and it's sooooo cute! But anywho, I was just going to leave all the fry in the 10g, and put her back in the large tank when she's done. How easy will it be to raise the fry in a 10g? (making sure they get enough food, etc.) I plan on finding some java moss for them tomorow (didn't have time to get any today, and I didn't figure it would happen THIS fast.

so anywho, the 2 fry that we have seen are mostly hiding among the gravel... will eat be easy to feed them in a tank that big? or should we herd them into the breeding trap so it's easier down the road?

Thanks!
 
As long as there is no predators in that 10 gallon..you should be fine. If you want a breeding net..thats your choice. At such a young age, it wont harm them and the food will be easier for them to get to.

Fry of swordtails are, in general, easy to care for. ENJOY watching them grow into adults and have their own kids!
 
Thanks! I know I will enjoy them. Another question though... How will I know when she's done giving birth? Will she munch up her babies immediately or just after she's done and has rested a bit? (ie: should I wait around and move her immediately after?)

She's birthed 2 sofar, and its been awhile, she still looks like there's more inside her, but now shes just swimming up and down the glass constantly...
 
There is this one fry container. The mother is inside on the top portion. She gives birth to the fry and the fry fall down through the small cracks and holes to the bottom half of the container away from the mother. You should try to use one of these. Your swordtails will give birth plenty of times, so dont worry if not many survive this go around.,
 
There are signs that she is still pregnant....with swordtails..I do not know those signs. I would just raise those 2 fry and wait untill the next go around before you put her in the container.

Instead of the container, you can add Plastic matts that are shaped liked plants and the fry will hide in that.
 
Yeah, my room mate read something today that said one of the signs they are in labor is when they swim up and down the glass alot, so I think she still is. I've read it takes 1-3 hours for the whole birthing to happen, so I'll probly just wait a few more hours, and put her back in the big tank.

Her belly is still a big blotch of red too, I'd think there were more in there, but maybe not.

If anyone else knows anything too, feel free to chime in!

Thanks alot J!
 
for additional information check the usenet... IM sure there is TONS of info about swordtails.
 
My swordtail just had babies this morn about 25-30 of them

Dude this is cool!!!!! I just got my female swordtail yesterday night then she popped out 25-30 of them!!!!! I thought the stress might make her delay the birth. But apparently not. Also try to leave the mother alone. the birthing is really stressful and she may sometimes die. about 35% of the time. No worries for u guys if she already gave birth 2 the babies you get a 2 for 1 deal. BTW good choice for the 10 G tank for the Babies. Make sure there is alot of plant cover. Good Breeding Guys.

Chris
 
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