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I'm interested in breeding my platty, but recently i think they've already started. . . anyone have experience with this, The female has a little swollen belly with a little white shading that has appeared on her belly. . . the male just follows her around constantly.
Is this a sign that it's time to stick her in a breeder's net?

If you this had just happened recently, it will still be awhile until the platy gives birth. Livebearers will hold their fry in their stomach for about 25 days or so before the fry are dropped, where they become free swimming. I would wait a couple weeks or so until you think they could drop anytime now. Breeding nets cause alot of stress on the carrying female, so keeping them in too long is not good for the health of your platy. If your tank is well planted or has plenty of hiding spots, you should have a couple of fry still alive even if you do miss when they are dropped. It depends on your tank size and the inhabitants really though.

The other inhabitants are 2 platies, 5 head light tail lights, and 1 cory. . .10 gal tank, moderate on the planting but still many hiding places.

As they have started breeding it will not be too long before your tank will be over stocked, unless you intend to remove the fry before they get to a breeding size them selves.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

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as stated previously this tank isnt quite big enough for breeding. to me it sounds like its going to happen either way.. as for the platy being pregnant, honestly most female platies come from the store pregnant as they are house with males also. just wait until her belly gets a boxy shape and depending on her color, you might be able to see a black triangle close to her rear end (called a gravid spot). whenever you see this, its pretty close. also you can "induce" her to give her fry by raising the tank temperature a few degrees. and as for the net breeder, i've kept platies, mollies and swordtails in them for weeks with no problems. plain and simple, giving birth is very stressful in humans and animals alike, and if it can be prevented it will most likely prolong the life of your fish.

*Chelle*
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