Anti-social Swordtail

[kmcera]

We seem to have an anti-social swordtail on our hands. She has been hanging out in the top corner of the tank near the filter. Doesn't swim around all that much except when the male swordtail comes over to bug her. When she does swim she looks fine, and over-all she doesn't look unhealthy (I don't think). She may be looking a bit chubbier if anything. Is anti-social behavior a sign of pregnancy in swordtails? Or is she sick? Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks!

 

[fishdudein]

Female livebearers tend to get "harassed" frequently by the males, sometimes they just need a little peace & quiet. Making sure that your tank has plenty of hiding places for her to escape to where she will be out of sight of the male will make her feel better. Usually if there is no cover available, females will hang out near the surface...swordtails especially are prone to jump out of the tank, so if you could get her some plants (real or artificial) you might keep her around a while longer (and save some babies also!)

 

[SamUK]

what ever ya do dont do what i did.

had a stressed platty that i thought would enjoy a few days in my new tank i was setting up for cichlids (havent bought the cichlids yet, jus sorted the tank.) so she could have some peace and quiet.

nxt morning the tanks got over 30 baby plattys swimming round in it and im stuck with a platty tank for a while.


half of me laughs but the other half wants the planned cichlid tank now lol

 

[dwarfgourami]

Female livebearers tend to get antisocial when pregnant. Helps if she has plants to hide in, and if there are other females to take to pressure off her, but often males will concentrate their attention on the pregnant one, possibly in the hope of getting her to abort so they can eat the offspring.

 

[kmcera]

Thanks for the help. Step #1 is to get more females in there. She is unfortunately the only one. Then we'll see if we end up with babies. Thanks again!