Tracking The Swordtails Act Of Birth

[swordtailsrock]

Okay my swordtail dropped last night and not a single fry is left. So, I've decided to track every moment of her pregnancy so I don't miss it. So, I might as well provide a learning experiment for the newbies on fishforums by posting it online. I will update everyday when I can. I will note changes in behavior, size and etc.

Day 1:

Very light colored gravid spot, body is very thin, and she is active and healthy. She has chosen to use sperm from a previous mating, so I do not know what kind of fry to expect. Male constantly bugging her, but she is ignoring him. When seen from the front she looks 4 to 5 times thinner than when she was pregnant.

 

[HCpetraitis]

This is a great idea. Hopefully she doesn't get stressed out half way through your experiment. Are you planning on trapping her?

 

[swordtailsrock]

This is a great idea. Hopefully she doesn't get stressed out half way through your experiment. Are you planning on trapping her?

Probably not, the last 2 drops yeilded no fry because of my greedy little danios I'm thinking of returning them and getting some fish that aren't as fast or hungry.

 

[LauraFrog]

Great idea! There's a project being planned here to document, with photos, the complete pregnancy of all the common livebearers. Is there any chance you might get some photos? Twice a week would be great! If you can't it's okay, we'll dig some up somewhere - but it would be great if you did.

 

[swordtailsrock]

Great idea! There's a project being planned here to document, with photos, the complete pregnancy of all the common livebearers. Is there any chance you might get some photos? Twice a week would be great! If you can't it's okay, we'll dig some up somewhere - but it would be great if you did.

I can get pics but it is very hard with my camera because when I take a pic you can't see any of her physical features of pregnancy, maybe I can get some videos though.

 

[swordtailsrock]

Day 2:

very light pinkish-orange gravid spot, slightly increased width as well as height. I suspect she is now full of eggs, and when those hatch inside of her, her size will increase. Still behaving healthy and eating normal.

 

[OldMan47]

How are your pictures coming Laura? I am ready to go with my creamsicle lyretail molly.

 

[swordtailsrock]

Day 3:

light orange gravid spot, size is increasing and body shape is changing. Male CONSTANTLY harasses her, but she continues to avoid him.

 

[HCpetraitis]

Are you going to do pictures later in the pregnancy. I would even say if you could give MANY pictures of her squared off. That would be very helpfull.