Not Sure If I Should Keep Swordtail Fry

[Riso-chan]

I think I posted a while back about having some baby swords left over from the four adults I originally had. I'm growing fond of them, but I'm not sure of how good an idea it would be to keep them. I'm going to list a few questions that I need definite answers on.

1. How many, if any at all, should I be able to keep without overstocking?
2. Other than just keeping one sex, is there any other way of preventing
them from breeding?
3. How long should it take them to reach full adult size?

P.S. I feel guilty now that after I traded in the parent fish for kuhlis, I've ended up feeling like I should keep these guys. I probably should've kept the little guys...*sigh* Makes me realize just how much I feel for my fish.

 

[tricksterpup]

you should be fine, just keep up with your regular water changes, once a week and all should be good.

 

[Riso-chan]

Thanx for posting I really need all the other questions I listed to be answered, though. Thanx

 

[travelinman1969]

They will keep reproducing like mad. When my livebearers have fry, I leave em in the tank. He who survives is a strong and smart fish. It's probably too early to figure out the sex, so seperation will be hard right now. Also, If you keep just females, one or two of the females will change to a male. It's one of the few animals in the world that will do this. Usually it takes about 6-9 months for them to be considered adults, but can be quicker depending on tank size, diet, water conditions, etc. Really if you don't want more fry, get rid of the ones you have. It's hard to keep it controlled, if they have a lot of hiding places.

 

[Riso-chan]

Then what other fish would you suggest? Anything that looks like a goldfish would be what I am looking for, but I don't know about any goldfish that don't get so large. I don't know what to do.

 

[Kasakato]

1. How many, if any at all, should I be able to keep without overstocking?
What you have now is still ok.

2. Other than just keeping one sex, is there any other way of preventing
them from breeding?
Not that I know of

3. How long should it take them to reach full adult size?
Id say as a general rule 3 months plus.

 

[Riso-chan]

Thanx, but I still need suggestions on other suitable fish for my tank.

 

[Kasakato]

Maybe some Tetras?

 

[Boohoo]

Would serpea tetras interest you? I say this in regards to their color.