Is my platy pregnant or ill?

[bcc2468]

I am a first time platy owner and one of my fish is looking funny. I am trying to figure out if she is pregnant or unwell... she has been behaving normally but has a big red patch and is getting bigger (but not fatter). I’m not quite sure what the next steps would be to help her.

 

[howard_hopkinson]

Judging by what appears to be a gravid spot, I'd say she is pregnant. As for the red patch, it could just be colouration, if it is then I wouldn't worry about it. The fact that she's acting normal is a sign that she's OK. Just keep an eye on the red patch and see if it gets any bigger or if she starts acting strangely.

What are your water parameters, I.E Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate an PH levels?

 

[Deanasue]

If there’s a male in with her then she’s pregnant.

 

[essjay]

Even if there's no male in your tank now, if she's been in a tank with a male during the last 6 months, she'll be pregnant.

I can see two red patches in the photo, the gills and the gravid spot near the tail (ie the developing fry). The reason they are so red is because of the colour of the fish. If she was darker, they wouldn't show nearly as much.

 

[bcc2468]

Thanks for your response! I will definitely be keeping an eye on her

My parameters are:
pH 7.4
Ammonia: 0.25ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: 5.0ppm