Breeding Swords ?

[-=Joel=-]

Hiya folks,

I bought up a shops stock of white swords hoping to get them breeding as I have never seen them before, around these parts anyways.

However they arnt exactly doing what I had hoped Lol.

Do they need a certain PH or are they too young ?

I deffinatly have males and females in the tank.

Help.

Joel

 

[madmom]

I've read that Swords need a pH of about 7.0-8.3 approx. Temp bet. 72-82F . How long have you had them? Could be they're doing their thing when you're not around. I've only caught mine "dancing" a couple of times and my females only drop about every 2 months. Be patient you will be neck deep in fry before you know it.

 

[-=Joel=-]

Had them for a few months now ... approx 2inches in size. My ph is 7.2

Joel

 

[Annastasia]

How many males and females do you have? Are you certain they are not dropping? Perhaps they drop, the fry get eaten, and you're none the wiser.

 

[-=Joel=-]

Hiya,

Ratio Im not sure of however I have 12 of them. I have more females then males though.

You might be right there ... I have just added loads of cover to the tank, fingers crossed a few can hide away.

I have a few fattys at present so you never know

Joel

 

[LouiseRat]

gravid spots?

 

[-=Joel=-]

From what I can see yes ... but no eyes yet Lol.

This colour form is real neat. They are almost transparent Lol.

Joel

 

[guppymommy]

I've never seen any white. Can you post pictures?

 

[-=Joel=-]

Here you go

Enjoy,

Joel

 

[gn3ric]

WOW!!! that picture is great !!! out of all the swordtails i've seen.. this one is the best.. sorry if not related to topic

 

[14gtr14]

sorry but how long do swordtails carry their young before they drop them?

just my swordtail female looks hugely tubby. i've only noticed this today so when would i expect to see her skinny again?

 

[-=Joel=-]

I think its around 2 weeks give or take a few days, but im no expert on these fish. My normal quarry are cichlid and oddballs Lol.

Joel

 

[guppymommy]

Oh, those swords are gorgeous!!! If you ever want to sell any, I'll be happy to buy some. Usually these fish just breed on their own. I'm not sure why yours aren't, unless they are and you just never see them as was suggested. I have two swordtail females and I know they've both dropped fry since I've gotten them, but I've NEVER seen any fry in the tank, despite providing cover for the little dears to hide in. I'm sure they are being consumed by the other members of the tank (platy and swordtail).

Anyway, hopefully you'll have some fry soon.

 

[LouiseRat]

your swordtails are absolutely stunning!

i was told on here that their gravid spots go brown a few days before giving birth

our females are still pregnant , they gave birth the day after we bought them (45 days ago) and havent given birth since but are still heavily pregnant

also if they are stressed or disturbed they may hold off giving birth

 

[madmom]

I thought mine wern't giving birth at first too but had to do an emergency tank clean and found 3 babies hiding in the stump decoration. Keep watching thee females will get big chested and square looking. Your swords are gorgeous by the way.