Pregent Swordtail

[Alex_]

My pinapple swordtail has been noticable pragent for about 3 weeks

this will be her first batch and she is about 2.5''. their in a 12 gallon

with some neons and ottos. i wont to know how long on average

it will take for then to hacht i read that they can take up to 2 mounths?

and also what do i need to do to accomidate the frys. i do not have any

extra tanks to put them in. I was thinking just to put a hairnet thing over the

intake to prevent them from being sucked up. How many do you guys expect for

a first batch fopr a 2.5'' female like 15 frys? will neon and ottos posr a threat on them?


Thanks,
-Alex

 

[Annastasia]

How long it will take for what to hatch? Livebearers are born fully developed and free-swimming, that's how they got their name. There's no hatching with these fish.

For fry, you basically have three options.

1. Breeder Net. This is an okay solution, you can only keep the fry in there for a few weeks, otherwise the possibility for stunting becomes large. But it's good to grow them up a bit before putting them in with the big guys.
2. Survival of the fittest (what you mentioned). It's good for fry control, and it's fine for the fry. They may not grow quite as fast, due to not getting fed every few hours, but they should be okay. You don't have very aggressive fish either.
3. Fry tank. This is definitely the best idea for fry. I know you don't have a seperate tank for fry, but it's a good plan if you want to get into raising fry. She will have more in a month, don't worry about that!

So you can basically choose between the first two for this batch. If it's the breeder net, try to feed them 4-6 times per day. Crushed flakes are fine, however alternating in some high-protein foods (Frozen, Live, or Freeze-dried) and some veggies will be best for their growth. Most any veggies can be used, however broccoli, zucchini, cauliflower, peas, and cucumber seem to be the favorites amoung fish keepers. It's usually best to blanch, or slightly steam the veggie, just to soften it up for them. And peas have to be shelled. If you're going to leave them in the tank, it might be beneficial to feed the tank three times a day, and just smaller meals so they don't get more food. That way the fry will get more food. Live plants are also great, for hiding and food. The fry can eat the little organisms off them and get a good meal. Hornwort especially seems to be a favorite, but most floating plants are great. It'd be best to check them out against your lighting and tank, to make sure they'll survive.

It's hard to say how many she will have. They can vary from 5-100+. You'll have to wait and see! Do you have a plan for fry though? Will your LFS take them, or are you planning another tank? Your 12g probably can't hold anymore. And with her having fry every month...you can easily get overrun.

 

[fishymann]

on this same subject my swordtail is pregnant too, i just noticed it a few days ago so how long do i have until she gives birth?

 

[Alex_]

K thanks, yes my lfs will give me $1 for a 1'' or .50 for .5''

in store credit pretty good deal