Red Velvet Swordtail Breeding

[themanofsilver]

I have a small 10 gallon tank and recently introduced a couple of red velvet swordtails. They are wonderful but apparently the female was pregnant (not showing very much). She gave birth early this morning (11/22)and I saw that there was 1 offspring left in the tank when I woke up.

I'm not sure if swordtails give birth in stages or all at once but I figure that since I wasn't prepared for the new arrivals, the fact that they were either eaten by the parents and the smaller tetras or sucked into my filter matters little.

I am curious to learn how often swordtails will reproduce and under what conditions. Thank you!

(also, i did purchase a separation net for the next time she gives birth)

 

[PumaWard]

Personally, I wouldn't use the net, swordtails kind of freak out in them. I would look into a larger tank too. Swordtails are very active, not to mention that I have see some females pushing 5-6''.

Females will probably have fry every 2-3 weeks in a relatively stress free enviroment. Breeding doesn't take more than male + female + water. Females will hold fry longer if their water isn't clean and there's too much stress, so make sure to do weekly water changes and that your ammonia and nitrite levels are zero.

 

[themanofsilver]

Thanks alot for your help! By a larger tank, do you mean something in the 20 gallon range? I am a college student and the 10 gallon was managable for me. I'm not sure if 20 may be a bit too large for my space. However, 2 ten gallon tanks may work but they are substantially more pricey (since i'd need 2 of everything, filters, heaters, etc.). Any suggestions?

Plus, how long will a tank be infected with ich after the sick fish have been removed and the tank has been treated with Rid-Ich?

Thanks!