The article in brief
Gestation in female xiphos is a fascinating process that requires special attention for the well-being of the mother-to-be.
- Gestation period : 4 to 6 weeks
- Number of fry per litter : 20 à 100
- Ideal temperature : 26°C
- Suitable environment: aquarium planted with numerous shelters
- Power supply : rich and varied (flakes, artemia, bloodworms)
Xiphos, these small, colourful fish, are the stars of our freshwater aquariums. As a keen aquarist from an early age, I've always been fascinated by their reproduction. Today, I'm going to talk to you about a subject that's particularly close to my heart: the gestation of female xiphos. It's a fascinating process that requires special attention to ensure the well-being of the mother-to-be and her young.
Characteristics of gestation in the xipho
Duration and signs of pregnancy
The gestation of a xipho pregnant female is an exciting event to watch. As a general rule, it lasts between 4 and 6 weeks, or around 28 to 35 days. During this period, you'll notice obvious physical changes in your fish. The female's belly will gradually bulge, and a blackish spot will appear on her abdomen. These signs are real indicators that birth is imminent!
I remember my first experience with a pregnant xipho. I was so excited that I spent hours watching her belly get rounder day after day. It's fascinating to see nature at work!
Number of fry and frequency of litters
Xiphos are particularly prolific fish. A single female can give birth to an impressive litter of between 20 and 100 fry! It's as if a veritable swarm of mini-fish suddenly invaded your aquarium. But that's not all: thanks to an organ called the spermatheca, females can store the male's sperm and have several successive litters (generally 3 to 5) with a single fertilisation. Between each litter, about 5 weeks elapse.
Particularities of reproduction
Xiphos are ovoviviparous fish, which means that the eggs develop inside the female's body. When they give birth, live fry are born, ready to take on the aquatic world. It's a fascinating sight to behold, believe me!
During reproduction, the male performs a characteristic nuptial dance: jerking back and forth close to the female. It's a veritable aquatic ballet that never fails to captivate me!
Optimum care and environment for a pregnant xipho
Aquarium layout
To ensure the well-being of a xipho pregnant femaleIt is essential to provide it with a suitable environment. An aquarium planted with numerous refuges is ideal. Aquatic plants not only provide hiding places for the mother-to-be, but also for the fry once they are born. Personally, I like to use plants such as the Vallisneria or the Cabomba creating veritable underwater forests.
Here is a list of the essential elements for an aquarium housing a pregnant xipho:
- Dense aquatic plants
- Hiding places (rocks, roots, decorations)
- Fine substrate for fry
- Soft filter to avoid vacuuming newborn babies
Water parameters and feed
Temperature plays a crucial role in xiphos reproduction. The ideal temperature for gestation and birth is around 26°C. Make sure you maintain good water quality with regular partial water changes, around 20% per week.
As for food, a pregnant xipho needs a rich and varied diet. I recommend a mixture of :
| Type of food | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Quality flakes | Daily |
| Frozen artemia | 2-3 times a week |
| Freeze-dried bloodworms | 1-2 times a week |
Don't forget to vary your meals to ensure your xipho mum-to-be gets all the nutrition she needs!
Population management
To avoid female exhaustion, a ratio of 3 females to 1 male is recommended. This distributes the male's attention and reduces the stress on each female. If you have more males, consider separating them temporarily from the pregnant females.
Xiphos are considered very easy to breed in the aquarium. This is one of the reasons why they are so popular with fishkeepers. beginner aquarists, just like platys. But it also means that we have to be prepared to manage a growing population!
Giving birth: the big moment
Warning signs
When childbirth approaches, your xipho's behaviour will change. She will tend to stay at the bottom of the tank, under cover. Although still lively, she will defend her territory more fiercely. You may even see her throwing up excrement resembling dead fry - don't worry, this is normal!
Just before giving birth, her behaviour will become slower. This is a sign that the big moment is imminent. Be prepared for a sleepless night, as childbirth usually takes place at night, often after a partial water change.
Welcoming newborn babies
Once the fry are born, it's crucial to provide them with a safe environment. If your main aquarium is well planted, they will be able to find refuge there. If not, you can provide a separate rearing tank. The first few days are critical for their survival.
To feed the fry, use special powdered food or freshly hatched artemia nauplia. It's a real treat for these voracious little creatures!
The reproduction of xiphos is fascinating, but requires vigilance. If you end up with too many young, don't hesitate to give them away to other enthusiasts or to your local pet shop. And why not explore other viviparous species such as the guppys or mollys ? Each species has its own particularities, and that's what makes our hobby so exciting!
By caring for your pregnant xiphos, you're helping to perpetuate this magnificent species while enjoying an extraordinary natural spectacle. Isn't it wonderful to be part of the cycle of life in this way?
English 
French