My dwarf platy has a bloated stomach, is that bad? Is it pregnant? Is it sick? What do I do?

Question

My fish has been what I thought was pregnant for over two months. The fish eats just as much as the other two and acts the same as the others. But the fish is really fat. Does it even matter? When I bought them over 6 months ago they were all the same size.

I have 3 dwarf platys and an apple snail in a 3.5 gallon tank. I feed my fish once a day with flake food. They have air bubbles and the temp stays in the 70’s.

I am new to fish and have a few other Q's.
How long do dwarf platys live?
How long does a fish stay pregnant?
How can you tell what gender a fish is?
And any other tips a new fish owner should know.

Thanks for any information.

Answer 1

If the scales are protruding away from the body(think pine-cone) your fish has dropsy. Dropsy is not a disease itself, but rather a symptom. It is thought to be fluids building up in the body from kidney failure. There is no cure for dropsy, the fish will die.

Most live-bearing fish will be pregnant for around thirty days depending on temperature.

As far as gender, male live-bearers have a gonopodium, females do not.

Think about getting your fish a bigger tank, 3.5 gallons is too small for three platys and an apple snail.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Welcome to the hobby Mallory!

I doubt your platy has been pregnant for 2 months, but it is somewhat possible. Normally platys have their babies in about 4 weeks, but 5 isn't unusual either. 2 months would be quite long, but not unheard of. Honestly, she could just be fat. As long as she is swimming normally and eating normally I wouldn't worry about it at all.

You tell the gender of fish different ways depending on the type of fish, but for your platys it's really easy. Just look at the fin on the bottom of the fish, just behind it's belly. The females is wide and fan shaped while the males is longer and pointed, like a tube. Here's a picture of two platys, the male is the top fish:

http://web.tiscali.it/acquario2000/images/platy.JPG

The best single tip I can give you is go slow and read, read, read. Learn as much about your fish as you can and always know about a fish before you buy it! To help you along here's a web site with lots of good basic information. Be sure to follow the links to the next pages at the bottom and you will learn a lot about your tank and keeping fish.

http://www.firsttankguide.net/

Hope this helps!

MM

Answer 4

Again I agree with yoink. I have a feeling your fish has dropsy, check for it as described above. Dropsy usually shows up when fish are continually exposed to sub-standard conditions. It would be very difficult to maintain decent water in that size tank with your fishload, even with the best filtration (not just a bubbler)
Make sure not to overfeed (feed once a day or even every other day, there should be none left over) and perform partial water changes religiously (25%, I would do them twice a week).
Hope this helps,
jess

Answer 5

Walk to your co-worker's desk to chat as an alternative to instant messaging.

Answer 6

In the mood for some sort of hot meal? Make a massive pot of veggie bean soup, divide into two-cup containers, and store within the freezer. Before bed, place a container from the fridge, then grab it before heading out the door the next day.

Answer 7

Don’t focus on your defects, spotlight your best bits. Modest waist? Belt it in. Wonderful bust? Lower the neckline. Well developed butt? Rock tight jeans. Attractive legs? Show ‘em off. It’s really that easy.

Answer 8

Eat in front of a person rather than screen. It cuts down on mindless eating and forces you to more accountable for each mouthful.

Answer 9

For sandwich-lovers, use spinach or swiss chard leaves rather than a wrap, skip the slice of cheese, and load up on the veggies.

Answer 10

Add cooked whole grains to a salad to increase the dietary fiber and protein and make the meal feel more satisfying.