Pregnancy and Platies.

Question
How long are platies pregnant for, and when would we put the female in a breading net to have her babies in.  See out platy got pregnant and we didn't know because she would always hide.  I just don't know when we should put the female platy in the breeding net to have the babies.  And do i have to put the male in with her?  I hope you can help me out.

Thanks, Jenny G

Answer
Hi Jenny;

Platies have babies about every 4 to 8 weeks. Once her belly gets a "boxy" look or a little flatish on the bottom, she should drop babies in less than a week. They also hide more when ready. Those are signs that she needs to go in the breeding net. The male should not be with her at delivery. He's already done his part and will eat the babies. She will eat them too so you don't want to leave her with them for more than a few hours. Once she seems to be finished and recovered a bit, remove her to go back in the tank. You can but a piece of a live plant in there for them to hide from her and for her to feel less exposed too. It's her nature to hide when the babies come so she may not drop them readily if she can't feel like she is hiding.

Good Luck!

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins