By How do I know when my swordtail will give birth?
Basically there is no sure way of telling when a fish will give birth, however signs to look for are a swollen belly, which has squared off slightly at the bottom, a large gravid spot near the analfin, lack of interest in feeding and lack of activity, ie- staying near the back of the tank.
How long does it take a swordtail to give birth?
28 days
Like other livebearing aquarium fish, swordtails (Xiphophorus hellerii) give birth to live young, or fry, rather than laying eggs. Although the swordtail’s gestation period is 28 days, it may be difficult to determine when she became pregnant.
How many babies can Swordtails have?
Swordtails can produce 50 – 100 fry every time and may give birth again four to 6 weeks after the first birth. It may take longer. According to experts, the second birth session can even take up to a half year after the first, and that can take place even without the presence of a mate.
Do Swordtails eat their babies?
Like all the other livebearers, swordtails do not have maternal instincts and will, therefore, consume their young ones soon after birth. Another reason why the mother swordtails eat their young ones is hunger. If you provide them with the right food, they may not touch the babies.
Is swordtail fish aggressive?
Swordtails are generally very peaceful and make excellent community fish. Males can however turn aggressive towards each other once they reach sexual maturity, so it is advisable to house only one male with several females in an aquarium.
What do baby swordtails eat?
Raising Fry The fry should be fed a quality food, such as baby brine shrimp, baby fish food, or quality flake food ground into a fine powder. Feed the fry small amounts several times a day. Maintain good water quality by performing regular water changes.
Can female Swordtails turn into males?
Swordtails commonly breed in community tanks. The urge to reproduce is so strong in this species that the females are hermaphroditic. In populations consisting entirely of females one will frequently transform into a male to insure the propagation of the species.
Can you have 2 male swordtails together?
It is possible to keep multiple males and females together in the same tank provided you have a large aquarium, heavily planted and decorated to provide sufficient hiding places. Make sure your tank is at least 50 gallons and you provide two or three females for each male in the tank.
Are swordtail fish fin nippers?
Swordtails are generally suitable for keeping in community tanks with other medium sized fish. Some adult Swordtails can be aggressive and develop the habit of fin nipping. Colour and Varieties. Wild Swordtails are generally a dull green colour with a small extension to the tail fin.
Why are my swordtails chasing each other?
swordtails are tough and some chasing nipping is to be accepted. It’s not expected but does happen. She could be chasing off the others because she is pregnant and wants the others to keep away from her.
Can Swordtails change gender?