Runt Platy Fry

[Em29]

Hiya - I have a douzen platy fry approx 1 month old. In amongst them is a very small fry, darker in colour (almost black). It lives amongst the gravel and has never properly swam but kind of hops from stone to stone. It hasn't particularly grown but feeds happily as food fall to the bottom of the tank (includes fry food, brine shrimp, bloodworm etc).

The time is approaching when The fry will be moved into my now 90 litre tank (when it has finished cycling) but not sure what to do with this oddity...I cannot seem to see if it has any fins on it's side?? (sorry for lack of scientific description, am fairly new to fish keeping).

Are deformities common?

 

[KittyKat]

Yes, deformities are common and can be caused by inbreeding or poor water quality, but it does not sound like this fry is deformed, only stunted. I recommend that you catch it in a net and look at it closer to see what exactly the problem is.

The fins that are on the sides are called pectoral fins.

 

[Em29]

Thank you KittyKat.

I will try to catch it and have a closer look before they get transferred. I only have four platties and they have grown very amorous - I have now rehomed the males and am awaiting any further fry coming my way. I have the fry in an isolation tank away from the adults and they seem to be thriving. I want to keep this first lot of fry as they are fascinating to watch growing up and feeding them etc.
A shame this one is struggling. If it is not deformed what would be the best way forward? I think I have grown attached to this little hunchback of NotreDame living among the stones

 

[KittyKat]

If it is not deformed what would be the best way forward? I think I have grown attached to this little hunchback of NotreDame living among the stones

While most people prefer to kill off any deformed fry, I chose to let them live out their lives with others of their own species and sex, and make sure that they never breed. Alternatively, I give them away for free to those who I know will be responsible enough to never keep it with anything that it can breed with.

 

[Em29]

Ah yes- that is the trouble - stopping the little things from breeding! In that case I am unsure what to do with it. May have to have a think if I have any friends that can keep it with non-live bearing fish. Haven't netted it out yet as too stressful for the other fry. When I am ready to move the fry to the bigger tank I shall have a good look then to see if there is any obvious deformity.