Swordtail breeding

23 16:00:27

Question
I have my pregnant swordtail in one of those plastic nursery boxes until she gives birth. Once she starts having fry how long will it take for her to be finished? I don't want to leave her in that little box any longer than I have to. How will I know she is finished giving birth?

Answer
Hi Katie

It's actually not a good idea to keep her in a breeding net or box. Those are more commonly used to put the fry in after they are born. Keeping the female in that tiny box will stress her out and she could abort the birth.

I would put her back in the main tank and provide plenty of floating plants for the fry to hide in once they are born. Gestation usually takes about 3-4 weeks.

Hope this helps, good luck!

Richard