livebearer fish?

Question

I just bought a livebearer fish yesterday (specifcally a pregnant female guppy) because I really enjoy watching them give birth and taking care of the babies. She has the dark spot near the bottom of her back fin and is fairly fat. When should I put her in a separate tank to give birth? I don't want to put her in the separate tank too early so she doesn't become stressed and then won't give birth. Sometimes, she swims up and down the sides of the tank...is this some kind of sign of her giving birth soon? Thank you

Answer 1

My fiance and I move our guppies the day we see them doing the "I'm about to give birth" dance. Which is actually what you're describing when you're saying she's swimming up and down the sides of the tank.

Does she look "boxy" from the front? Does she look like she's ready to pop? Chances are, she's going to drop within the next couple of days if so.

Make sure you either use a breeder box, or you keep an eye on her when she is birthing. Guppies DO eat their babies if they are not removed from the tank after birthing.

Also, expect a lot of babies. Guppies can have anywhere from twenty to fifty babies PER DROP! Also, they can drop four to eight times PER sexual encounter! (Aren't you glad people aren't like that?)

Good luck with the babies!

Answer 2

A livebearer is a fish that gives birth i=to its LIVE babies instead of laying eggs like most fish. Some livebearers are mollies, guppies, platies, and swordtails. Once the male and female mate, the female can give birth up to 3 times without having to mate again.

Answer 3

I would put her in a breeder box right away. A breeder box is a clear plastic container that attaches to the inside of your tank, at the top. This allows your fish to live in the community tank, with no risk of babies being born too soon and eaten before you can react.

Answer 4

Just a tip, if there is lots of floating live plants in the tank the babies have a better rate of survival in the tank.

Answer 5

watch her closely. when her behavior changes, (usually, they will stop swimming around, and hang out near the tank heater) and that dark spot by her anal fin changes color, then it is time to put her in the separate tank. the site I put below has good info, and knowledgable people on the forum.

Answer 6

a sure-fire sign that no one tells you about--------up until the female is about to give birth she is "round" including her bottom----when the time nears for birthing--her bottom will look like you rubbed her across sandpaper--when this happens--separate her if that is what you plan on doing.