baby fish??

Question
QUESTION: Hi my name is Jesse yesterday I went to petsmart to purposely get 2 pregnant fish and today i looked at my tank and one was dead so as i stood by the toilet i kinda squished on accident :) but i heard a pop and i looked down and i saw one or two babies un born so i ran downstairs and got a cup full of water and squeezed more on her stomach and more came just poring out into the cup they all look okay?? but idk what to do and if they can still live?? thanks :) :) jesse :)

ANSWER: Wow, I have never heard of that before!

Still, the babies were born prematurely, and with the parent dead they were likely out of nutrients for awhile. If they do survive, I doubt it will be for long, and they probably won't make it to adulthood. Still, try and care for them. Feed them crushed flakes, and it would be better to keep them in a bucket, or even a goldfish bowl short term. 50% Water changes every day or every other day using a good water conditioner of course.

Good luck with your other fish.

-Nick

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Okay thanks but about the other fish it looks like it could have fish anyday........how to i tell when she is going to have babies i really cant wait to see the fry!!! thanks and ps i think u are the best expert on this website thanks :) :) Jesse :)

Answer
Ahhhh...thanks!

You can't really tell when she is going to have babies. All fish are different. There are some ways you can tell she is in labour though, or very close to it.

Look out for laboured, fast breathing. If she is staying in one spot, hiding, and shaking then she is going through labour. If some babies get eaten, don't worry too much, many more will be on the way soon. They give birth every month or so provided there is a male in the tank. They can store sperm for up to 4 months though, so even without a male she may give birth multiple times.

-Nick