female swordtail

Question
hi chris,
i have noticed that my female swordtail is just lying on the bottom of he tank behind all of the plants. normally she is very active. i am wondering what is wrong with her. she gave birth narly 14 days ago. i have noticed that her tail is flat not open "fan shaped" as well as when she swims her fins are all flat. i am really concerned. as well as her colour has darkened she is a pineapple swordtail but has gone red more near her fins on her back..please help!!

Answer
Hi Lauren;

Sometimes female livebearers have a difficult time recovering after babies. I would make a water change of 25%, maybe add some aquarium salt and hopefully she will recover. It's a shame but sometimes they don't recover. Males will still harass them and they just can't any rest. If you can isolate her to a clean tank she may do better. You can offer her good foods such as frozen brine shrimp, daphnia and algae to help her regain her strength.

I hope she feels better soon...

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins