Pregnant Platy Not Dropping

[FishySarah]

I walked past my tank the other night and saw my fish going crazy. They were going literally bonkers, and were clustered around my platy. Well, I looked closer, and she was giving birth! The fish were eating her babies! I remember reading that you aren't supposed to move them while they're giving birth, but I scooped her up anyway and put her in a breeding trap.

I don't have a fry tank available

She's been in the breeder net for two days and hasn't dropped any more fry.

What should I do? she doesn't seem that stressed, but I know she may be hanging on to them because she is confined. How much longer should I wait? Should I just let her out and give up?

I do have a five gallon tank with three goldfish, and I'm in the process of getting a bigger tank for them, so when it is free, I can transfer her into it, or use it for future pregnancies as a fry tank.

But in the hear and now, how much harm am I doing, should I let her out?

 

[layne2000]

Does she still look about to pop? Could you post a picture that we could see?

Personally, I would say shes had her fry and that's it. If shes been in the breeder for 48 hours I'd pop her back in the main tank.

 

[omega59]

i think so too that she had all the fry she need to have. if she is still big post some pics from top, and side view and someone will let you know. but i am sure she will have more in a couple of weeks

 

[lilfishie]

if you can still she a white tube near her rear then she still has more, otherwise i'd say shes finished

 

[OldMan47]

Omega59 is a bit off the mark. A typical time between drops for a platy is about 4 weeks depending on tank temperature. The essence of what he said is right though. You will have the next batch of fry so soon that it is not worth getting upset about this particular batch being lost.

 

[omega59]

OldMan