Gestation Period Of A Swordtail

[Lorna]

I've got 2 swordtails (not sure what breed) they are orange with 2 back stripes at the either top and the bottom of the caudal fin running from body to tip. I have had these 2 swordtails for over 2 months now and 2 weeks ago one of them gave birth. I have always thought that they are 2 females as neither of them have a sword and I can't find the gonodopium on them either. I have read that the gestation period of these fish is between 24 to 30 days so they couldn't of already been fertilised at the shop when purchased as I have had them longer then this period of time.

Any ideas? Also do you know what type of breed they are?

Thanx

 

[theotheragentm]

Gestation period is normally one month for the common livebearers. Most are pregnant already when you pick them up in a shop unless they've been separated since birth with only the same sex. Do you have a picture so we can see what type of Swords these are that you have?

 

[Jimb0b]

Live bearers can have multiple births from one mating i believe.So they were probably mated with before you got them.

 

[modaz]

Live bearers can have multiple births from one mating i believe.So they were probably mated with before you got them.

swords have also been reported to have a gestation of up to 8weeks but it depends on the type of sword ofcourse

 

[Lorna]

Here are the pictures of my swordtail

 

[toppman]

the normal time is about 28 days and i also read they can store sperm for around a year.
correct me if im wrong

 

[chucksmo]

I thought they could only store sperm for 6 months. but anyways cool fish good luck with the fry.

 

[toppman]

i may be wrong then, just say 6 months its a safer guess