Alessa

Ok, the story is really long so i'll make it short. I had two male platies in my tank and i decided to get another one since my bf "fell in love" with those less-than-one-inch platies. so, I went to petco (why..... WHY DID I LISTEN I KNOW BETTER!!!!!) and I asked them for a male dwarf. we got the fish that was like i inch long and took it home. It hid most of the time, so I could barely see it. like 2 weeks in, when I finally had the chance to look at it, I figured it was a SHE!!!! I sighed seeing that there was no gonopodium whatsoever and told my bf. We didnt make a big deal out of it, since the boys in my tank really ignored her all the time (im sure because of her size) and never, ever chased her. We thought it would be ok becasue the boys didnt want anything with her and left her alone all the time...

Now, the behavior of the boys hasnt changed. they still dont chase her.... but, I think she came pregnant. there is no gravid spot, but she is noticeably bulkier than she was before... with no size growth.

what am I gonna do? I love the little thing but I cant risk my already overstocked tank... do you guys think that petsmart will take her back if I tell them? ( I have a "friend" worker there... one of the few fairly knowleadgeable people in there, maybe she'll take her.. but what if she isnt there?)... It is really breaking my heart, but if they take her, I think there is no other solution.

Im feeling really guilty! having to take the poor innocent minute thing!!! I feel like a horrible human being! I should have been more careful!!! Im about to cry .. shes so little and cute...

TFA101

If your pet store doesn't take her back, maybe try looking for a local fish shop if you haven't found one already. They take in fish anytime and shouldn't hesitate on pregnant or baby fish. Maybe try finding a fish club near you and auction her off. Or sell her to a friend who you can trust.

But on the upside that the store will take her back, you can specifically tell them that you had asked for a male and had recently found out it was a female. They should feel ashamed because they dont want to upset such a reputation as a chain store... or not. But call them and ask when your friend is in, she might be able to "smuggle" her back in.

But giving her back isn't hurting her. If you cant provide the room for comfortable living quarters, dont be ashamed. She'll be better off if kept in a more spacious aquarium with room to birth and feast on... I mean, miserably attempt to parent her offsprings. You would be doing the right thing.