How do you know when a platy fish is about to give birth?

Physical Changes. As the young develop in her body, your female’s abdomen will begin to swell. When she is close to giving birth, her abdomen may even take on a “square” shape, and her cloaca may become dilated. Look for the presence of a gravid spot, which is a dark spot on the female’s abdomen near the anal fin.

How long does it take for a platy fish to lay eggs?

around 28 days
The pregnant platy will behave pretty much the same as she does normally. There are no distinct behavioral changes to look out for. Like other live-bearing fish, she carries her fry until they are fully developed. The gestation period typically lasts for around 28 days.

Why is my platy giving birth to eggs?

It can be because of stress or as a result of bad water quality. Thanks. We think one or two have survived. you will probably have lots of baby fish the next time it gets pregnant.

How long is a platy pregnant for?

Often female livebearers are already pregnant when you buy them as they are kept together with males in aquatic stores and suppliers. But here’s an indication of how long each of the popular species is pregnant for: Guppies 21-35 days. Platies 24-35 days.

Do platys hide giving birth?

The female may chase the male around aggressively. The female may hide in a secluded area from the rest of the fish in the days leading up to the birth. The female’a vent will transform from circular and rounded to square. This is because the fry are moving closer to the cloaca for the birth.

What do you do with baby platys?

Platies aren’t very good parents and in fact tend to eat their fry. It is best to have the female Platy give birth in a breeding tank and then put her back in the main tank once she’s done. It’s also not advisable to keep the babies in the main tank unless it’s large enough and is heavily planted.

How many babies do platy fish usually have?

You generally have between 24 and 30 days to make accommodations for your new fry once the mother shows signs of pregnancy. Once the mother gives birth, you can expect to have 20-40 new fry on average. Sometimes, this number can climb as high as 80.

How do you take care of a platy fry?

Feed the fry. Baby platy fish do not require different food from adults. You can feed them the same pellets or flakes that you feed the adults, as well as freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, and brine shrimp. Feed the fish small amounts several times a day, about as much food as they can eat in three minutes.

When can you put a platy in a pregnant breeding box?

If you use a breeding box, use caution. You can only put a pregnant Platy in it if she’s moments away from giving birth. Putting her in there too early will force her to spend too much time in it, stressing her out enough to make her go into labor prematurely.

Do platys have babies all at once?

Is my platy pregnant or fat?

Pregnant platys get a gravid spot, which fat female platys tend not to do. Pregnant platys often lose their appetites when about to give birth, while fat platys never seem to lose their appetites. Pregnant platy bellies eventually turn a square shape while fat platy bellies stay round.

How do I stop platys from breeding?

How to Avoid Unwanted Fish Breeding in Your Tank

  1. Buy only one gender of fish, preferably males. If you don’t have male and female fish together, there is less chance for baby fish to appear.
  2. Choose egg-laying species rather than live bearers.
  3. Adjust tanks conditions to make breeding less comfortable.