Female standing on her head

[mhoward1999]

I have only had the pleasure of observing my guppies giving birth a couple of times, and I have never seen this before. I have a female which I believe to be a pretty old one, who appears to be giving birth, but I haven't found a single fry. There is white, cloudy stuff coming out of her. Kindof stringy looking. What do ya'll think? Is this part of the process, or is she dying.

 

[WILDER]

To be honest it's not sounding great, she could be aborting or something is really wrong.

 

[mhoward1999]

Like I said, I think she is a pretty old fish. I have no way of knowing. She was given to me by someone who wanted to thin out their 55 gal's population, and I told them I would take a couple of their females. She's really big. Probably at least 2 inches, if not 2 1/2, and har abdomen is very large, but not so much to think it is a symptom of some disease.

 

[mhoward1999]

Another question. I am a teacher and this tank is in my classroom. Today is Friday and I won't be able to come back this weekend. How long should I observe and do nothing? I don't want her to suffer needlessly, and I also don't want her dying tonight and rotting all weekend polluting the tank...

 

[paulthegreat]

Ouch that is a tough one. Is there any way you could take her home or isolate her? A large jar with a bubble pump or something. Or ask the students if one of them could help? Is there anyone who has access to the room during the weekend that you could ask to check in on her?

 

[mhoward1999]

I could take her home in a glass jar, but I don't have a spare air pump. How long could she go w/o extra aeration?

 

[paulthegreat]

Can't help with that one. Have you also posted on the fish emergencies forum?

 

[mhoward1999]

No. I will go there. Thanks.

 

[paulthegreat]

Good luck!

 

[mhoward1999]

Thanks!

 

[mhoward1999]

It's over. At least she isn't suffering any more. It was so pitiful. Wish I could have come up with some clove oil...

 

[WILDER]

Bless her. R.I.P.

 

[paulthegreat]

I am sorry to hear it I was really hoping there would be a happy ending.
(Sorry to have to ask, but what would the clove oil be for?)

Paul

 

[mhoward1999]

I have heard that clove oil can be used as a sedative or a euthanasia agent, depending on how much you use. I wouldn't use it as a sedative since I don't know much about it, but if it would knock them out I would use it for euthanasia.