When To Put Into Breeding Trap?

[sally2]

Im sorry to ask so many questions but it's all new to me.

When do you know the mother has finished giving birth- does the gravid spot disappear?

thank you


Hi what worries me is ive got 4 pregnant platties at the same time.

Im worried that if they go into a breeding tank together the one who gives birth first does not eat the babies for 12 hrs but the other mums to be do.

help!

thanks
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Im sorry i edited this question and it got missed

i would be grateful for your advice - i noted your advice yesterday which include male platy nipping female to get her to give birth and thats what is happening now - i bought 4 breeding traps the mesh -but ive only caught 3 of the females and putting them separately.

thanks

 

[Annastasia]

Nope, it will never fully disappear. The fry develop there, but that's also where she stores sperm and eggs, and has parts of her reproductive system. It will never disappear, but it will be lighter.

That is an issue. Your best bet is to probably put the most pregnant one in the tank, and then leave the others in the main tank with some floating plants. If they happen to give birth, some fry should still survive with the plants.

As I've said many times before, breeder nets are stressful on the females and can cause them to abort, have birthing difficulties, or in extreme cases, die. Timing is critical. Don't keep them in there more then 2-3 days.

Good luck!

 

[iain.betson]

Hi GeoffLondon, how are your female platy's coming along they must be near that time again?

 

[dwarfgourami]

Can I just add that this "they won't eat their fry for 12 hours" is not at all reliable. I have had several livebearer females who have turned round and devoured their own fry straightaway as they gave birth, then waited for the next one and done the same. And it's not that my fish are underfed; some of them just seem to like the taste.