Heavily Pregnant Swordie :(

[Fishkeeper2004]

I placed my pregnant swordtail in my large breeding trap this morning, as I noticed she was becoming territorial and very large. I would have placed her in the breeding tank we have seperate, but didn't have the time to transfer her as I was going out on a family day trip.

Anyway, I got back at 7pm tonight, and noticed she was floating at the top on her side, and when she tries to swim she quickly goes onto her side again like she is overloaded on one side. I then noticed a few hours later, that where all the babies were (right next to very large gravid spot) she was much fatter on one side, and thin on the other, meaning they may be getting crushed? The gravid spot is now turning slightly red to.

I have since tried feeding her a pea to try and flush the babies out before it kills her and any potential fry that are still alive. She doesn't seem to be interested in that - however is trying to eat the flake food.

My main priority is trying to keep the mother alive, as she has given me successful births of 40+ so far, and now she looks even larger and I would expect 50 or more. My second aim would be to get some fry out alive, but I must stress I would rather keep the pregnant female alive.

I know it won't be easy to save her and it sounds bad, but she is eating flake food like I have said, and doesn't seem like she is in pain. Any suggestions or hints on how to save the mother - and then possibly the fry would be very much appreciated, I think its just a case off getting them out to save the mum, but how can we flush them out without causing stress?

Thanks for all replies.

 

[black angel]

If the breeding tank is up and running then transfer her to that and see if she can swim. It may be she has been starved of oxygen as the heavier they get the more oxygen rich water they need. Try her in the other tank and see how she copes for 15 minutes. If she cant right herself then it may be a case of watching and waiting to see if she gives birth really soon.

 

[Fishkeeper2004]

If the breeding tank is up and running then transfer her to that and see if she can swim. It may be she has been starved of oxygen as the heavier they get the more oxygen rich water they need. Try her in the other tank and see how she copes for 15 minutes. If she cant right herself then it may be a case of watching and waiting to see if she gives birth really soon.

Ok thanks for the help, I will try that and we'll just have to watch and wait. Could you suggest anything to try and feed her to maybe help the process, or is it just a matter of wait and see?

 

[black angel]

Just wait and see really. Try some live/ frozen foods, but she may take a bit of cucumber if its soft enough.

 

[Fishkeeper2004]

Well, since she has tried swimming about but still no big improvements, I might stay up the night to see how she gets on, but I expect the worst by morning.

 

[kris-b-]

awww hope it all goes well! Does she look any better yet?

 

[Fishkeeper2004]

awww hope it all goes well! Does she look any better yet?

Still looks the same, has been like this since 7pm at least so thats a good 8 hours now..

 

[annabel_roo]

aww How is she doing?

 

[Fishkeeper2004]

Update:

I checked on her at midday today (only just woke because I was up till 4) and she seems to have completely recovered! She still looks heavily pregnant, so everything is looking good - heres hoping.

 

[trace1]

nice 1 glad to hear that & will keep fingers crossed that she is ok

 

[Fishkeeper2004]

nice 1 glad to hear that & will keep fingers crossed that she is ok

I have also done a 50% water change and tested the water, everything seems completely fine. I am going to continue feeding her 3 times a day, on flakes and bloodworm.