Swordtails

[jake.afc]

hi,just joined the site to day
and am after some advice
i have recently bought 2 swordtail fish,
1male and 1female
had them for about 2weeks now
and the female has taken to hiding
at the back of the tank
behind the live plants
she is healthy and feeding ok
was just wondering if she pregnant
or is this the norm for female swordtails

 

[Kels_eh]

I *believe* it's usually recommended to have more than one female to every male. She may just be hiding so she can get away from him for a little while.

 

[jake.afc]

I *believe* it's usually recommended to have more than one female to every male. She may just be hiding so she can get away from him for a little while.

ok thanks,
she been out twice today,popped her head out
had a wee swim around,then headed back into her hiding place
just never seen fish do this before
i have a fighter fish
who seems to do the same but
he,s usually found slouched
on top of the water filter.but he comes out at feeding time
thought she might have been pregnant(swordtail)

 

[Inchworm]

Hi jake.afc

Welcome to the forum!

I'm going to move your thread to the Livebearers section. You will meet some nice people there who know a lot about these fish.

 

[dnn3]

you need at least a 2 females to 1 male ratio,male swordtails can be a pest so it's best that he has more than one female to divide his attention.

 

[jake.afc]

you need at least a 2 females to 1 male ratio,male swordtails can be a pest so it's best that he has more than one female to divide his attention.

sadly female died this morning.
only had her two weeks,
am wondering as i only had 1 female
is it possable the male had something to do with its death?
male is healthy swimming around,feeding ok,
but never left the female alone.
is it worth investing in 2 females,to keep male happy?
or can he live without female company?

 

[Harlequins]

Hi there

It's usually best to keep ratio 2-1 for females to males.
How old is your tank is it cycled?,what size tank and what other fish do you have?

Have you tested your water lately?

 

[jake.afc]

tank is 120gallons,had it about 6months
i have
2angel fish
3mollies
15tetras/neons
fighter
pleco
2loaches
2snails
3gourami,s
8guppy,s
1swordfish(had2)
and a partridge in a pear tree!!!