Very Pregnant Platy

[Something Fisshy]

I started a community aquarium about 5 months ago. It consists mostly of guppies, mollies, and platies. There are about 10 fish in a 55 gallon aquarium. The first fish I bought were a pair of orange platies, male and female. The female started to get chubby and I assumed that she was pregnant. I waited and waited, but she never released any fry. She did however continue to get bigger. I was unsure of the gestation period of platies and assumed that it must be longer than that of guppies as I have already had three births of guppy babies. After noticing what appear to be stretch marks (!?!) on my not so little female, I got a little worried. The gestation period should be 3-5 weeks and this girl is going on 5 months!!! She is at least four times the size of her male friend, and they were the same size when I got them! I thought she might just be over eating, but all of the other fish in the tank are great. I'm stumped! Anyone have any insight?

 

[AstonN24vantage]

i had a female swordtail that did the same thing. she was huge! unfortunately it didn't end so well... i went on vacation and she disappeared. i imagine that she was eaten for her babies.

 

[OldMan47]

Welcome to the forum Fisshy.
As you have found, a gestation of over 5 weeks is not at all common and one of 5 months is out of the question. I do not know what is wrong with your platy but gradually swelling over a long time is never a good sign.

 

[Something Fisshy]

Thanks for the feedback. At lease now I know what to expect.