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maybe pregnant platy

23 14:48:21

Question
Thank you so much for getting back to me so quick.
Well got home tonight and found 2 babies.  One was fish food and the other got away.  My kids were really upset so I was able to get the little guy and put him in another place.  Which was just a little bowl.  Don't have any other tank.  I will go to the fish store tomorrow.  Any idea's would be great.  Don't even know if the fry will live. I figure I would try since I saw her eat one.  And I think she is going to have more, I see little black dots. I will let u know. I guess I am just trying to do the right thing. Again thank you I will check out the web site u sent.
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Followup To

Question -
Hi,Just started with a 16 gallon fish tank.  Not sure what the ph level is, however I know it was checked by someone today and they said it was good.  I want to say 7.8 but again not sure.  I am very new with all this stuff.  Anyway started with 2 platys and 2 mollys.  I think the platy is pregnant.  Not sure.  If she is a female she has a pretty big belly.  Just noticed it today.  Meanwhile I just added four more fish to the tank.  My questions are not sure what to do if she is or what to look for.  I have been reading alot on the web but not getting answers that are helping me.  Please excuse me I am really not educated with fish.  They are for my kids.  I read about the mesh box but when do I put her in there and also when do I know if she really is pregnant?  Sorry for all the silly questions?  Oh one more thing how long would she be pregnant?  I also read that she will have fry for months.  What do I do with all the fry.  Thanks I hope I gave u enough info>

Answer -
Hi Clara;

She could just have babies in the tank and sometimes a few will usually hide and grow up in there. Female mollies and platies can have babies every 4 to 6 weeks and even if there is no male they can still have more. They store the sperm in their bodies to use later on. If you have a second tank it's the best way to save them all. The little breeder boxes are pretty small and may not give them enough room to thrive. They have to grow big enough that they won't fit in your other fishes' mouths before you can release them from the box. The babies will grow fastest if you replace 25% of their tank water twice or three times a week. Sometimes fish stores will take the babies if you get too many.

The tank may still be in the break in period so here is a link to my article on new tanks to help you through it;

http://www.xanga.com/Expert_Fish_Help

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins

Answer
Hi Clara;

That's too bad. It just happens because it's nature's way. That's why fish have so many babies and lay so many eggs. The food chain needs them. Keep the container with the baby in a warm place until you can transfer it to the new tank.

I hope the next batch does better.....

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins