Platy Behavior~

**simplykayla76** · 06-26-2012, 05:07 AM

I have 3 platy in a 10 gallon aquarium. Two females and one male. Temp is 78-80 degrees, ammonia is 0ppm, nitrites is 0ppm, nitrates is 5-10ppm and pH is 8.0. I have a AC20 on the tank.

My platy have been happily swimming along until about 2 days ago. One of my females started hiding and coming out every now and then to eat or just swim around. normally they are all very active and only slow down at night to rest.

Well both females look pregnant ~ but I have never had a fish that had babies so i am certainly no expert. They dont look like there about to burst. This pass week i have noticed dark spots above their anal fins. I am not sure if the hiding female platy is ready to have babies or what..

Another curious thing i noticed today is that when the hiding female comes out the male will slowly ease up to her and his top fin will be laid down.

I hope she isn't sick. I am trying not to worry and wait and see...

**KittyKat** · 06-26-2012, 09:21 AM

It sounds like you are seeing her gravid spot and the behaviour is expected if the tank is relatively bare. I recommend that you add some undemanding plants and see if that helps.

**Lady Hobbs** · 06-26-2012, 11:08 AM

That tank will become too small very fast once these females began to have babies. They will most likely get eaten if not removed and put into another tank.

**simplykayla76** · 06-26-2012, 04:40 PM

I added two large (fake)plants recently along with the three plants i already had. Here is a picture. Is it still too bare?

**simplykayla76** · 06-26-2012, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by KittyKat

It sounds like you are seeing her gravid spot and the behaviour is expected if the tank is relatively bare. I recommend that you add some undemanding plants and see if that helps.

I looked at the link and like the Sagittaria Subulata. I have been wanting to add a plant that looks like grass. But a planted tank is a whole new thing to me. Do you have to have sand or will gravel work? And what about when I use my gravel vac...see a zillion questions already...

**simplykayla76** · 06-26-2012, 11:01 PM

She just had a fry :O ~ I quickly grabbed a gallon fish bowl and some fake leaves and water from the tank and scooped the little fry out .... waiting for her to have more. I need to set up my 5 gallon. Will the fry survive while i cycle with Tetra Safestart?

**simplykayla76** · 06-27-2012, 04:46 AM

Well i am a lot calmer now... i did start another thread because I didn't know what to do...all is well so far. I have two fry in a new breeder box. and im checking for more fry ever so often. I heard they have all they will have within 24 hrs.

Needless to say~I am excited! First time platy fry mom :)

**KittyKat** · 06-27-2012, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by simplykayla76

Do you have to have sand or will gravel work? And what about when I use my gravel vac...see a zillion questions already...

Either is fine. Vacuum around the plants. Read about it a bit, then ask if you have any specific questions :)

**KittyKat** · 06-27-2012, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by simplykayla76

Will the fry survive while i cycle with Tetra Safestart?

You're assuming the Safestart works…

**KittyKat** · 06-27-2012, 08:52 PM

Originally Posted by simplykayla76

I have two fry in a new breeder box. and im checking for more fry ever so often. I heard they have all they will have within 24 hrs.

How big is the "breeder box"? Most are kinda too small for fry in the long term, although probably ok for the moment.

Usually females are done within 24 hours, but sometimes they may take longer.