Is my swordtail sick or in labor???

[nik11676]

She's upside at the bottom of the tank, breathing and flapping her fins. She's been there for at least 4 hours now. Her belly looks like it's going to explode. It looks like it might have some discoloration, which is an indicator of labor.

I have a male swordfish in the tank as well, plus 2 mollies (male/female) and a pleca. All those fish are perfectly fine.

28 gallon tank, new filters & recent water change.

Very worried.

 

[dkpate]

That sounds like a swim bladder issue, not birth, since she's upside down. What are your readings for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate?

 

[Big Dog]

It sure does sound like a swim bladder issue also.

 

[nik11676]

thanks

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately, my female swordtail passed away a few hours after my post. I had thought it might be labor since the belly was so big and she had some discoloration. Well, that plus the fact that I have a male swordtail.

All my other fish are still doing quite well. I'll check my water levels tonight and probably do a partial water change.

Thanks again everyone

 

[dkpate]

Sorry about your fish.
Let us know how it goes! She might have had internal parasites also, which can be contagious.