platys

Question
I just got a few platys from walmart today and the lady said one was pregnant.I don't know if she is right but if she is what do I do?

Answer
Hi Ashley;

Female platies are pretty much pregnant all the time if they have ever been with a male. There isn't anything for you to do except provide plenty of hiding places for the babies once they are born. Many hobbyists use a breeding net, box or trap so the babies aren't eaten by the other fish. They have a better chance to survive and the female is more comfortable if she has her own tank to birth them. Move her back to the main tank a few hours after the babies are all born.

Once she gets very fat and her belly looks a little "boxy" (kind of flattish on the bottom and sides) and she is hiding more, it will probably be about 4 days or so and she will deliver her little ones. The baby fish eat regular fish food crumbled up into tiny bits. They need to be fed 3 to 5 times a day and their tank must be kept clean on the bottom so it doesn't foul the water. Change 25% of the tank water and vacuum the gravel every week, twice a week is even better. Baby fish tanks really should not have gravel or rocks on the bottom of them because the babies can get caught in them and it can get so dirty down there that it becomes dangerous to your babies.

Have fun and I hope it all goes well!

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins