Net Question

[Logitech]

I have a quick question that I've been wondering about lately.

I was wondering how long can I keep my pregnant female platy in the net breeder before she gets stressed?

I'm doing this in order to avoid the male from repeatedly breeding with her (ie. the male keeps chasing her around the tank wanting to breed), and to catch the fry when she gives birth.
I have another female in the tank but he keeps bothering this particular female platy.

Thanks in advance.

 

[3fsh]

I prefer not to use net breeders because it stresses them out so much. What I do is watch closely until the female gives birth and then net the fry and separate them into the breeder. May not save as many, but it is less stressfull for all who are involved.

What is your male/female ratio? Ideally, it should be 1m to every 3fm. Check out this EXCELLENT pinned topic by our resident livebearer expert, Annastasia.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=99216&st=0&

 

[Logitech]

I have one male to two females.

 

[Annastasia]

Awww, thanks 3fsh. You flatter me. )

Anyway, Logitech, my advice is to never keep them in the breeder net more then 3 days at a time. If you really want to put them back in, leave them out for 12-24 hours first. I totally agree with what 3fsh said. It's better to let them give birth in the tank, and then stick the babies somewhere. Or you can also do a "survival of the fittest" in the tank. You do that by not moving any babies out, and just letting them grow up in the tank. If you don't have very aggressive fish, and you have hiding places, some should survive. This also helps with fry control.

The reason the male is probably chasing this female, is because she's pregnant. Pregnant fish secrete hormones, that the males find attracting. However, if you want to stop them from breeding, I'd put the female in another tank. She can still store sperm, remember, so be prepared for more babies even if you seperate her!

Good luck!