Is my Platy Pregnant?

Question

Ok first let me say I have a picture if you'd like me to send you so you could tell better. I have an orange micky mouse platy who I thought was pregnant. I also have two all orange males. My female has been growing quite large but should have already have babies because I've tracked her time. I know there isnt any in the tank because I've checked everywhere and the platy is still big. even though she is orange I cannot see a gravid spot. She only has a big round belly. My swordtail (also pregnant) has the spot and when I had a female guppy she did as well. My molly is black and orange (golddust) so I couldn't see it. But could the platy be pregnant or an I jus crazy?

PChu · Accepted Answer

Not exactly sure but I can hopefully help. Platies don't always have a visible gravid spot. If she is indeed bulging, and you are sure it's not from parasites, bacteria, dropsy or overeating, then she probably is pregnant. Average gestation period is 4 weeks but thats not absolute.

Some platies will give birth at 5 or even 6 weeks because they can hold onto fry for a long time if they feel threatened or stressed. Stress can also cause them to abort. This rarely happens but it's more likely if you drop her in a breeding net or if she is constantly bullied. If she aborts, she'll have a big belly for a few days and it will slowly shrink.

Another possibility is that she's spreading out he birth. Sometimes platies will give birth over a week instead of a few hours. Again it's about her stress and comfort.

Anonymous · Answer

Not so good description but if your platy has a boxed belly and looks like it's bulging from the top its most likely prego. The only reason why a mother shall delay her babies is that she is stressed. If stressed they can go in labour in 2~4 months.

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Is my Platy Pregnant?

2 Answers