Female Swordtail Behavior

[Stoty]

this is disgusting. My female swordtail is easting her own dookie. not chewing on it and spitting it out. EATING IT after it breaks off. this started a few days ago. She gave birth about two weeks ago. She is huge. I guess nothing goes to waste. What is her problem? Is she sick? Ive never seen this before and it is not fun to watch.

 

[Stoty]

she's also jumping out of the water when the lights are off. If anyone cares of course. This is supposed to be the friendliest forum around, but none of my topics barley get any responses or will get responses that have nothing to do with my problem.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

I'm sorry that no one has responded to your question... Have you posted this in the livebearer section?


I'm a newbie, but this seems very odd. Are the water parameters ok? Are any of the other fish showing similar signs? How big is the tank? How many fish are in there?

 

[Inchworm]

I have never seen my swordtails do that.

Let me move your thread over to the Livebearer section. You will probably get more responses there. Please have a bit more patience.

 

[OldMan47]

I have never seen mine eating their own wastes but jumping is quite common for a swordtail. They are very energetic fish. A male that is displaying will often swim faster backward than most fish can swim forward.

Thanks for the assist Inchworm.

 

[AstonN24vantage]

my fish chew and spit their poop all the time! (maybe they think its tobacco?)

 

[Stoty]

thanks people. yeah most fish chew and spit but she is devouring it. i have a lightly planted 20 gallon with 6 corys, pair of swordtails, pair gold barbs, and 9 neons. the water is testing fine. the rest of the fish are all fine. the male swordtail is much more calm than the female. This is just strange. It cant be good for her.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Stoty

It's always possible that your fish is having some vitamin or mineral deficiency in the diet she is currently being fed. The first thing I would suggest is that you add another good quality flake or similar food to her daily routine. If that doesn't help, experiment with other foods, live or frozen. With luck, you will find that element that she seems to be seeking.

 

[lilfishie]

none of my swords do this (i have 8 ) adding to what Inchworm said my swords love veg Cucumber, carrots, peas, whatever else i throw in for my cats and pleco Most livebearers need an amount of veg/green in there diet

 

[Stoty]

ok i will try the fresh veggies. right now i am feeding them tetra min, tetra color, tetra granules, and frozen bloodworms. I have a couple of sword tail fry in a small two gallon with a mystery snail. they are about 2 weeks old. right now i feed them crushed up flakes. Is that good for now? They seem fine and are growing.

Oh and i did just notice that the female swordtail is currently pooping something stringy, curly, and light.

thanks.