How Long Till My Swordtail Delivers Fry?

[C_spencer13]

I just got my swordtail fish from a pet store and have no idea on when it will have its fry. I need to know when to separate her into a separate tank. Also how many baby's do yet usually have?

 

[DreamertK]

Pictures usually help.

 

[DreamertK]

Usually within a month they'll start having fry. Do you see any gravid spot or black dot on her underside? When you see that, usually it'll be within a week.

 

[fluttermoth]

The most reliable way it usually to watch out for the fish 'squaring off'; the fish's belly will develop distinct corners (it will look like she's eaten a box!).
 
Once that happens they usually give birth within 24 hours, although they can hold on to the fry, if they don't feel safe, so make sure the tank has plenty of hiding places; lots of plants are good.
 
Don't forget the tank will also need to have a cycled filter.
 
Swordtails can have around 40 fry, but young females will have fewer and mature females can have 60 or more!

 

[Shortierose118]

I also bought a pregnant swordtail and has a large dark gravid spot and i think boxy... i put her in a breeder box for 2 days and no fry... i didnt want to have her in it too long but when she is frees wimming, the male sword tale harrasses her to no end... im worried that she will never drop her fry if he keeps harrassing her. I even tried getting a divider but the bugger was getting in there with her somehow... and advice?

 

[fish48]

a breeder box is to small for Swordtails a divider is far better or a small tank with some plants or plastic for fry to take cover. i use a 12"x 8"x8" yesterday i put in a gravid red eyed red and over night she had 21 fry.