Swordtail Birthing Problems

[DeanoL83]

Hi,
 
My swordtail has looked like she's about to drop for the last few days. Today I've noticed a huge red sack thing hanging from behind her anal fin.  Is this a birthing complication? It almost looks like she's pushed some of her internal organs out? Is that possible?  Could she be trying to push too many fry out at once?  
 
It's the first time she's given birth since I've had her (only had her less than a month) so I'm not sure if she's successfully had fry before or not.  She is still swimming happily and was eating earlier this morning too.  She seems to be trying to find a hiding spot which indicates to me she's giving birth. 
 
Is there anything I can do?

 

[ZephyrStarPlaties]

I've never had this happen, but from some digging around online it seems like it is some sort of birthing complication. I guess just monitor the poor thing for now.

 

[nic1]

This looks like a prolapse, it seems like she was straining too much during the birthing process. 
Sometimes it goes away by itself, you just need to make sure that the water is really clean so no infection can take hold of her.
You could try and separate her for a little while so the males in the tank don't chase her trying to make more babies making things worse for her down there.
Eventually if the prolapse doesn't heal the fish does end up dying unfortunately.  

 

[DeanoL83]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. From looking it up on the net, yes it definitely looked like a prolapse.  I'm happy to say that she is back to normal - it has corrected itself. Later that same day the prolapse was gone, and I've watched her closely over the last couple of days - she is eating and pooping fine so I'm thinking it's all good

 

[ZephyrStarPlaties]

That's good to hear!