Platy Fry As Soon As I Got Home!

[lildoc82]

Hi, I'm new to this forum. I just purchased 4 red wagtail platies (1m, 3f) and one of the females was pregnant and gave birth about 5 minutes after getting her acclimatized to the tank. I quickly moved her to a smaller container and she gave birth to about 30 fry. Now, the fry seem to be still in their membranes (still curled up in an 'egg'...I know it's not really an egg, but that's the closest term that comes to mind) and there is one that has hatched from the membrane but isn't moving yet.

I'm just wondering, is this what they term aborting when the fish are under stress when they are pregnant or should I just be patient about them becoming more active?

Thanks!
lildoc82

 

[Annastasia]

First of all, welcome to the forums!

Yep, sounds like she aborted, Probably from the stress of being very pregnant, and then getting moved around. It is possible she aborted very near the end of her pregnancy, and the fry still stand a chance. I'd be patient, and keep the tank nice and warm (Maybe 78-80) and as stress free as possible. Just don't get your hopes up too much, because it's very possible they won't survive.

Best of luck!

 

[lildoc82]

Thanks for the swift reply, and the welcome to the forum!

I will be patient for sure, more fish would be very welcome! So normally when they are born they are immediately free swimming??

 

[Annastasia]

Yes, Livebearer fry are born free-swimming. I've seen the odd few that fall to the bottom, then realize they can swim. Oddly enough, those usually turn out to be the smarter ones.