Why do I have to seperate my male and female baby swordtails (fry) at four weeks of age? Is it so they don't mate with each other? Also, the biggest fish in my tank right now is two adult swordtails, each about 2 inches long. How long will it be until the newborn fry will be able to be put in the show aquarium with the adults without fear of being eaten? Also, how big do the fry have to be?
2006-08-09 05:49:36 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
Usually, you're supposed to separate them at 4-6 weeks to prevent mating (Did you know that some guppies will mate at 3 weeks of age?). If you don't mind more babies, you don't have to separate them.
There is an old fish's tale that says you can't put the babies in the same tank as the adults because the adults secrete pheromones (or something) that prevent the babies from getting bigger. This...isn't true.
When the babies are about half the size of your adults (about an inch long), they can safely be added to your show tank. This should take about 6-8 weeks.
Good luck with your babies!
2006-08-09 06:41:38 · answer #1 · answered by birdistasty 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
unlike us humans fish who are bigger will see them as a threat and eat them yum yum go to a pet store and get some dividers and enjoy your fish
2006-08-09 05:54:55 · answer #2 · answered by stefania_n2000 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's so they don;t eat each other.
2006-08-09 05:52:55 · answer #3 · answered by Starlight 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋