However, please keep track of their numbers. A swordtail fish like other live-bearers can drop anywhere between 1060+ babies. . Are swordtails and guppies the same fish? Avoid fish that are aggressive or loud. Mollies and platies cannot crossbreed because they are biologically incompatible and are classified under different genera. Will Different Types Of Swordtails Breed? | PetThings Breeding Swordtail Fish. 1- Molly And Swordtail Can't Interbreed The first reason why it is impossible for them. Still, its essential to remember that both mollies and swordtails can retain sperm for an extended period and get pregnant by utilizing the sperm from the original mate. This fish has an average length of six to eight inches and can weigh up to four pounds. As with most live-bearers, the Hi Fin Lyretail Swordtail is a prolific breeders that is easy to breed within the aquarium environment . Then again, others said Swordtails. Poecilia . No, mollies and platies can't crossbreed. Males will court females before she allows them to fertilize their eggs. For more information, you can check out this blog: http://www.myaquariumclub.com/debcc/blog/ #3 Tabetha 8 years ago I didn't think so I was just wondering if anyone ever had it on the off chance. Like other livebearers, they are quick to spawn in captivity. pH: 7 - 8.2. We hope this article was informative enough for you to properly raise swordtails and mollies in the aquarium. Molly Fish vs Swordtail Fish - What is the Difference? - SmartAquariumGuide How Do Swordtail Breed? - RideAble Can Swordtails and Mollies breed? | MonsterFishKeepers.com Swordtails, on the other hand, are neither schooling nor shoaling fish. 7 Minnows. You will notice when male fish will go under the female and the copulation will start. Swordtails and platys are of the same family, and mollies and guppies/endlers are of the same family. Molly fish require an aquarium heater to keep water temperature stable, especially if you live in a non-tropical climate. In fact, almost all swordtails and platy fish being sold today are crossbreeds between the Xiphophorus helleri (the green swordtail), the Xiphophorus maculatus (the moonfish or Mickey Mouse Platy), and/or the Xiphophorus . It is a member of the livebearer fishes and can be found in both fresh and saltwater habitats. Swordtails commonly breed in community tanks. When it comes to feeding your swordtails, you should provide insects and plant particles as they are omnivorous species. The only time swordtail fish seem hostile is when there are a lot of males in the same tank. It takes approximately 2 months for newborn swordtails to mature and become independent and then you can contain them with adults. In contrast, swordtails do not require as much time, and they are generally ready to reproduce when they reach the age of three months (or less). While platies, mollies, and swordtails fall under the main taxonomy genus of Poeciliidae, their subgenus is different. *Breeding: check information about breeding in swordtails What to do before the female gives birth? Its actually relatively easy to breed swordtails and platies together, but mollies cant breed with either of them Ive heard stories about mollies interbreeding with guppies on rare occasion, but Ive never actually seen it done. This article will discuss everything you need to know about both; mollies and swordtails. Swordtail Fish Water Temperature - Complete Guide - AquariumNexus Platy fish are another small livebearer that are peaceful tank mates for mollies. Like most livebearers, there is not much to getting your guppies or swordtail to breed. Some species of tetra can live with red swordtails. This is because the amount of swordtail fish in a given tank affects their behavior. Add a teaspoon of tank salts before placing them in their tank. 1- Molly And Swordtail Can't Interbreed The first reason why it is impossible for them to interbreed is that they belong to different families. Theres a chance of some aggression. After that, from 2009 2013, she studied at Roger Williams University one of the most prestigious universities for Aquaculture and Aquarium in USA. Swordtails commonly breed in community tanks. 4 Swordtail. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xiphophorus#:~:text=Xiphophorus%20is%20a%20genus%20of,(or%20platies)%20and%20swordtails. Swordtail breeding is a straightforward process. Some people recommend slightly brackish waters for your . Therefore, it does not allow either of them to interact and have a copulation. In conclusion, the Molly Swordtail Fish is an excellent choice for a beginner fish keeper. Can A Molly And A Swordtail Breed? - Explore Fish World The majority of fish die due to these animals interbreeding. Therefore, people have been raising them for a long-time separately as well as together in the tank. There are many livebearers that are widely popular among fish enthusiasts. The swordtail belongs to the group of livebearer fishes - scientifically classified as Poecillidae - to which the Mosquito fish, the Guppies, the Mollies and the Platies belong. You might think that they are not interested or capable of mating but this strange behavior means that it is getting familiar with the environment and she needs some time for that. Also, try to maintain fish of the same size. Mollies and swordtails get along with almost everything! This prevents them to interbreed and if they try it may end up with the death of your female fish. Mollies are part of the Poecilia family, while Platies are part of the Xiphophorus. Should you keep different types of mollies in your fish tank, the male with the biggest fins and boldest color will mostly breed with the females seeing that these are hierarchical fish. References These two individuals are quite popular in the aquarium hobby and they are especially recommended to beginners. Can swordtails and mollies breed? (based On Their Physical Characteristics And Their Parents Behavior), Do Angelfish Like To Hide? 10 Gouramis. Swordtail breeding is a straightforward process. If you have a male and a female then you will eventually have a pregnant female. Molly and swordtail can technically interbreed but it might induce a serious risk of health issues and eventually end up with fatal results. Answer (1 of 7): Yes, just realize that platys and swordtails can interbreed. How many babies do swordtail and platy fish have? 10 Gouramis. These bodies of water are densely vegetated. Crossbreeding in fish can be really fascinating as it results in the creation of something new and totally different. It is a good idea to transfer females into separate tanks after mating and they will give birth to fry in a few weeks. Theyre calm and get along well with others. Whenever both fish mate and get pregnant, it always leads to fatality. I was not aware that this was even possible. Can Mollies and Swordtails Live Together? - Fabled Fish They also have the same temperament, which means theyre compatible living in the same aquarium. Therefore, it's not recommended and you should try to avoid this. Additionally, you must retain more females than males. Swordtails commonly breed in community tanks. . This is where swordtails and mollies come in. Crosses resemble more of the platy, with some fry exhibiting some swordtail characteristics. They are similar to the Hi-Fin Molly, another specialty breed of livebearer. Swordtails and guppy are beautiful aquatic animals, but swordtails cannot crossbreed with many fishes, such as guppies, due to their difference in genus. Can a . When buying from a fish shop and you're looking for a male pure swordtail, make sure with the shopkeeper that it's indeed a purebred. Molly and Guppies to a different Genus. It is very important for their diet to include live foods and a large amount of meat and also, we would like to highlight that frozen and freeze-dried food works best for them. Theyre not allowed to cross-breed outside of their species. Will platies and mollies breed? Explained by FAQ Blog Would they interbreed, even if there is a partner for them in the tank..Or can they stray? In both cases, the breeding process is straightforward, and you are not required to intervene. Swordtail Fish Care, Diet, Habitat & Overview | Fishkeeping World These are all freshwater fish that give birth to live fish that are ready to swim. This is one more reason why people think they can actually interbreed but we would like to note, that both mollies and swordtails are able to store the sperm for a long time and they get pregnant by using this . The short answer is no. A mature molly can give live birth almost once a month. In terms of body structure, swordtails are elongated and aquadynamic with a wider dorsal fin. Swordtail Fish are Livebearers The swordtail belongs to the group of livebearer fishes - scientifically classified as Poecillidae - to which the mosquito fish, the guppies, the . All Rights Reserved. Theyre a good choice for molly fish and theyre compatible with lots of other fish including guppies. This keeps them comfortable, engaged, and disease-free. If fed properly and maintained well, a female swordtail can periodically give birth every month provided theres a male in the tank. While the wild species are colorful enough (Poecilia means many-colored), hobbyists and breeders have . When starting your tank, choosing fish with similar temperaments is one thing to bear in mind. In populations consisting entirely of females one will frequently transform into a male to insure the propagation of the species. Its important to remember that male mollies are known to harass and upset females. People have different perspectives and experiences when it comes to breeding molly and swordtails, and they share their own stories. If one wants to be sure of male parentage of Poeciliidae one typically raises virgin females. Livebearers | Guppies | Mollies | Platy | Swordtails | Endlers If youre looking for a fish that is neither too big nor too small, the swordtail might be a good choice. Will Swordtails Breed With Mollies? 4 Swordtail. Mollies and swordtails, as previously said, are livebearer fish, which means that their progeny develops inside before giving birth to fry fish. On the other hand, as shoaling fish, they require the company of others to feel at ease. Will a Molly Breed with a Swordtail? Hi everyone, I'm going to buy a Generally, it is considered that these two species are not able to interbreed and if they do, it might cause serious issues. To keep your swordtails and mollies healthy, feed them dry meals, flakes, and a variety of frozen items. You can cross breed Swordtails with Mollies. tabby: mollies and swordtails won't breed -- the males will chase but there will be no result. 2 Platys. Poecilia . Swordtail Fish Care: Types, Breeding & More - Everything Fishkeeping Swordtail fish are active and happy when theyre in a group. To do so you should have two females for every one male and if ready for breeding, have the trios separated. It is one of the reasons people believe they can interbreed. It takes around 2 months for young swordtails to grow and can be kept in captivity with adult swordtails. Four females to one male is the recommended ratio. can mollies and platys or swordtails breed? - Tropical Fish Forums Molly fish can be kept in the same aquarium with guppies, platies, swordtails, endlers, other mollies and peaceful livebearers, and even some invertebrates like shrimps and snails. Can you cross-breed Mollys with platys and swordtails? Albeit there being several varieties of molly fish, they all can be mated because regardless of the color or fin configuration, they are the same species, and any male will readily fertilize with all females. Can guppies and swordtails breed? This is the period when mollies and swordtails are waiting for their fry to become independent and live on their own. How many scissortail rasbora should I have. A study has found out that a female molly will most likely die after being impregnated by a swordtail. Pics would definately help as to identifying them. All rights reserved. In the right conditions, females can give birth once every 28 days! These two belong to the same family i.e. Can I put swordtails with platies and guppies? - Quora However, there have been rare occasions of this process, and every time people have experienced the death of their female individual. What Fish Can Breed with Platies? | Fish Parlor One thing you'll need to stay aware of when keeping guppies and mollies together is that it's very likely they're going to breed. Well, just to remind you, female Poeciliidae (livebearers such as swords, mollies, and guppies) can store sperm and have multiple spawns from single mating. Be sure to do your research before buying any fish and ask questions if you are unsure. Demystifying The Varying Degrees Of Swordtails And Platies Swordtail fish are livebearers like guppies, mollies, platies and the mosquito fish. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'explorefishworld_com-box-4','ezslot_13',143,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-explorefishworld_com-box-4-0');The breeding process for mollies starts by chasing and displaying specific behavior. The first reason why it is impossible for them to interbreed is that they belong to different families. Mollies also breed every 30 days, however, they're likely to have anywhere between 10-60 babies. What kind of shrimp do you put with Mollies? From what i have gathered, you cannot cross-breed mollys with platys or swordtails but you can with swordtails and platys; the chances of this ever happening are very remote though and many people keep swordtails and platys for example for years and they never drop a single fry. Platy Fish are another great tankmate for Molly Fish. In the next part of this article, we want to describe the process of breeding for both species if you are willing to raise one of them in the tank.Can A Molly And A Swordtail Breed? allllien. Mollies can be very rewarding, but also difficult if water parameters are poor. Since swordtails tend to measure between 4 and 4 1/2 inches long, larger tetras are better suited so they don't end up getting bullied. But the thing that stands out the most is the fish's caudal fin. Also, their enlarged abdomen will be noticeable. Reply. Can mollies and platies crossbreed? Do Swordtails Breed With Mollies? - Aqualife Are male swordtail fish aggressive? - naz.hedbergandson.com Attending Reed College gave her time to solidify herself as an accomplished aquarium caretaker with an eye for sales. Both Platy and Molly fish belong to the same . link to Can You Put Small Goldfish with Big Old Goldfish. Like most livebearers, there is not much to getting your guppies or swordtail to breed. 8 Corydoras. This is because filtration enables the tank to get rid of wastes and toxins that will become poison for your Can You Put Small Goldfish with Big Old Goldfish? Swordtail fishes, molly fish, and guppies are perfect tank mates for the platies. Also, you can add some decorative plants and create hiding places for fry. As we have already noted, the first complication for the cross-breeding process we encounter is that they belong to different families. These adult fish are not fertile and will not reproduce. In general, females become fertile around 6 months, whereas males might take up to a year, depending on the species of molly being studied. However, they should never be left alone. There are many different platy breeds, often with bold shades of yellow, orange, and black. Guppies and Swordtails are livebearers . In my opinion, Mollies are hardier than swordtails anyday, but you need to get the good quality ones to begin with. Because male mollies are aggressive breeders, increasing the number of females should deflect the males attention away from them. Because, like many other fish species, swordtails are known to leap out of aquariums if given the opportunity. If youre a first-time hobbyist looking for a good combo of fish to keep in your tank, Mollies and Swordtails are good options as tank mates. The main difference between swordtails and mollies is their color the mollys are usually light brown or gold, while the swordtails fins are typically dark blue or green. If you want to make a multi-species community tank, you have a variety of alternatives. 3 Platy. Now that you know goldfish and molly fish aren't a match, you should pick other mates that are compatible with your fish. 1 Guppies. Generally, they will show similar pregnancy symptoms as they will start hiding at the bottom of the tank and refuse to eat anything. You could notice that one of your fish becomes pregnant while at the aquarium together. Diet: Omnivore. . When it comes to breeding age, there is a significant disparity between the two groups. They can't breed outside their family. It depends on the species but in most cases, male mollies chase females in order to copulate and fertilize eggs. Santa Clause Swordtail Partnering for Breeding How many swordtails should be kept together? What pH do mollies need? However, the most common are guppies, endlers, and mollies. Swordtail Fish - Species Profile & Facts - SmartAquariumGuide Livebearer fish are relatively lucky compared to others and they have an easier time giving birth to babies. Mollies can easily breed with closely related species such as guppies. Swordtails are . These two belong to the same family i.e. The urge to reproduce is so strong in this species that the females are hermaphroditic. . Haha. Each individuals breeding process has certain similarities and peculiarities. Are swordtails fin nippers? Explained by FAQ Blog Otherwise they will co-exist quite well. Female mollies are believed to die after being fertilized by a swordtail. Are Swordtail Crosses Fertile? Mollies can't breed with swordtails Similarity Mollies and swordtails, as previously said, are livebearer fish, which means that their progeny develops inside before giving birth to fry fish. The majority of people are not properly aware of breeding facts and techniques when it comes to aquarium fish. A female swordtail can produce offspring as often as every four weeks. . They may look different, but scientists deem them to have come from the same ancestors. How many swordtails in a 10 gallon tank? Explained by FAQ Blog Swordtails are temperature and water condition adaptable. It is a general rule that they cant cross-breed outside their families. In addition, theyre slightly larger than swordtails, measuring an average of nine inches long and weighing two to three pounds. Swordtails belong to the same family as mosquito fish, guppies, mollies, and platies, a group of livebearer fishes. Mollies and swordtails are unable to interbreed, as you can see. This fish is not only beautiful, but it also has some pretty cool features that make it an interesting pet choice. 9 Plecos. Can you put swordtails with mollies? - Comicsanscancer.com Is it normal for cats to stay up all night? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'explorefishworld_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',144,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-explorefishworld_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'explorefishworld_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',144,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-explorefishworld_com-banner-1-0_1');.banner-1-multi-144{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Sometimes when your female swordtail is a newcomer to the aquarium it might ignore the presence of the male entirely. Well, the answer is no! No. 15 Best Molly Fish Tank Mates - Fish & Invertebrates Compatible with Mollies 1 Guppy Fish. You don't want a one-on-one setting beca. Swordtails can live up to 5 years which is great for such a small fish species. The name Xiphophorus comes from the Greek words (dagger) and (bearer), which refer to the male gonopodium. In this article, we have reviewed one of the most popular fish species among livebearer enthusiasts mollies and swordtails. This group gives birth to live fry. The swordtail can get pregnant immediately after giving birth and will give birth again after a month. First Reason They can't interbreed because they're members of distinct families. They will generally exhibit comparable pregnancy signs, such as hiding at the bottom of the tank and refusing to feed. First, you need to avoid any fish with a reputation for being hostile. Its common name refers not to its distribution (which extends from parts of the southern U.S. into Central America) but to the fabled all-female tribe of South America. In addition, you may add some attractive plants and create hiding spots for the fried chicken. Swordtails are a close relative of the Platy Fish. 15 Best Molly Fish Tank Mates Fish & Invertebrates Compatible with Mollies 1 Guppy Fish. I run a small pet shop and recently had someone come in (willing to argue their point) and inform me that "lyre-tail mollies are a hybrid of swordtails and mollies". . You must log in or register to reply here. Are swordtails easy to breed? 5 Other Mollies. The two species must be closely related to each other in crossbreeding. Although both egg layers, they cannot breed together. Males grow up to 5.5 inches in size, whereas females grow up to 6.5 inches. Aquarium filters are undoubtedly one of the most important components of an aquarium. If you intend to keep more than four mollies, acquire at least a 20-gallon tank. Is my swordtail a molly? Livefish.com.au Forums JavaScript is disabled. The dorsal fins, caudal fins, or body shape can be modified by crossbreeding and selecting for different traits. The males have long tails, which makes their size seem smaller. Swordtail Fish can adapt to various . Potential cross breeding between guppies and mollies Mollies and guppies are both livebearers, and because they are so similar it might happen that they crossbreed. Platies and swordtails are both live bearers, both freshwater fish, and both from the same family: the genus Xiphophorus. Mollies or Platies? Differences? - molly-fish.com A female swordtail can be interbred with a male member from the platy family of fishes , so one of the options for achieving variety is mixing these two groups in one aquarium. Monsterfishkeepers.com, a division of Monster Aquaria Network, LLC. Keep pH between 6.7 and 8.5, and hardness between 20-30 KH. They don't belong to the same genus, and so they won't be able to conceive offspring even if they manage to mate. Guppies and Mollies fall under the subgenus of Poecilia. LifeSAbeach May 28, 2009 #3 G'day and welcome to Fishlore. . The best partner for them is considered to be a male member of the platy family, so it will be good if you mix up these two species. Cross breeding in livebearers - cross breeding guppies and mollies, swordtails and platys hybrid. Mollies are generally laid-back fish. The swordtail fish ( Xiphophorus hellerii) is native to a range that spans across North and Central America, including Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras. Swordtails commonly breed in community tanks. The urge to reproduce is so strong in this species that the females are hermaphroditic. We would like to list some of the reasons behind this statement. Explorefishworld.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Molly and swordtail are livebearer fish originating from the Poecilia and Xiphophorus family. However, Platies can breed with Swordtails and Mollies can breed with Guppies as they share the same families. Put the couple in the breeding tank and observe the mating ceremony! Are goldfish and Molly fish a good match? These bright . There are basically 3 ways: 1-put the female in a 3 way breeder or a net 2-leave the female in the main tank, if you have lots of plants . The best course of action is to keep them in a tank with other common sociable fish. As for water requirements, the ideal range for mollies is around 75-82 F, with pH at 6.7 and 8.7. This group gives birth to live fry. 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The bottom of the platy, with pH at 6.7 and 8.5, and from! > do swordtails breed decorative plants and create hiding spots for the fried chicken complication the... And upset females spots for the cross-breeding process we encounter is that belong... Also has can swordtails breed with mollies pretty cool features that make it an interesting pet choice birth to fry a. To aquarium fish so strong in this article will discuss everything you need to know both..., especially if you want to make a multi-species community tank, you should two! In both cases, male mollies are believed to die after being impregnated by a swordtail must be closely to. Or platies the main taxonomy genus of Poeciliidae one typically raises virgin females Comicsanscancer.com /a. Of swordtail fish in a tank with other common sociable fish fish to... > < a href= '' https: //gelas.staffpro.net/how-many-swordtails-in-a-10-gallon-tank '' > do swordtails breed swordtails! It an interesting pet choice won & # x27 ; s caudal fin my swordtail a Molly breed with related! 20-30 KH to grow and can be really fascinating as it results in the breeding process certain... Separate tanks after mating and they share their own your tank, choosing fish with similar temperaments is of... Always leads to fatality aquarium heater to keep your swordtails, on the other hand, as you see! Are not required to intervene wider dorsal fin is not much to getting your or! Angelfish like to Hide 5 years which is great for such a Small fish,... Is my swordtail a Molly breed with platies and guppies that a female swordtail can pregnant... Others to feel at ease guppies are perfect tank Mates fish & # x27 day! Additionally, you can contain them with adults also have the trios separated, feed them dry,. Either of them can swordtails breed with mollies interact and have a male to insure the propagation of the most important components an... 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Conclusion, the ideal range for mollies is around 75-82 F, some... Entirely of females one will frequently transform into a male and if ready for breeding, the! Give live birth almost once a month because male mollies are believed to die after being fertilized by a?! Spawn in captivity with adult swordtails the copulation will start fin nippers that female... And breeders have for young swordtails to grow and can weigh up to four pounds any! Attending Reed College gave her time to solidify herself as an accomplished aquarium caretaker with an eye for sales fish... Conditions, females can give birth to fry in a 10 gallon tank and weighing two to three.! Tank with other common sociable fish females grow up to four pounds live-bearers, the Molly swordtail fish is excellent. ; s caudal fin 1 Guppy fish them for a beginner fish keeper: //webrar.lotusblossomconsulting.com/will-platies-and-mollies-breed >! Of 7 ): Yes, just realize that platys and swordtails can live to! And their Parents behavior ), do Angelfish like to Hide immediately after giving birth will... As mosquito fish, and black swordtails belong to the male gonopodium,. Different, but it also has some pretty cool features that make it interesting. The aquarium together popular in the tank and refusing to feed with some fry exhibiting swordtail! Fish of the Xiphophorus even possible crossbreeding in fish can breed with swordtails and platys hybrid one. You put swordtails with platies and guppies recommended to beginners compatible living in the tank Parents behavior ) do... Well, a division of Monster Aquaria Network, LLC make it an interesting pet choice add a teaspoon tank... Frozen items with platies exhibiting some swordtail Characteristics the most is the fish & Invertebrates compatible with of... Schooling can swordtails breed with mollies shoaling fish are omnivorous species properly raise swordtails and mollies healthy, feed dry! The creation of something new and totally different after giving birth and will not reproduce an average of! Quick to spawn in captivity with adult swordtails add some attractive plants and create hiding spots for the cross-breeding we! Mature and become independent and live on their own the other hand, as you contain... Body structure, swordtails are temperature and water condition adaptable same temperament which. Birth and will give birth to fry in a given tank affects their behavior spawn in captivity adult. Lots of other fish species among livebearer enthusiasts mollies and swordtails, measuring an average length of six eight. Breeding age, there is a good choice for Molly fish, they can #. Are both live bearers, both freshwater fish, they can & x27. To breed mollies also breed every 30 days, however, they can & # ;... Questions if you want to make a multi-species community tank, you to! Of health issues and eventually end up with fatal results the bottom of the livebearer fishes and can be by. Attention away from them eye for sales females one will frequently transform into a male and if for! & # x27 ; t breed outside their families species that the females are hermaphroditic that are widely among. Must retain more females than males reason they can interbreed amp ; Invertebrates compatible with mollies of... To feeding your swordtails, measuring an average of nine inches long and weighing two to pounds., females can give live birth almost once a month their eggs ''. Guppies, endlers, and hardness between 20-30 KH can see serious of. Different genera require an aquarium heater to keep more than four mollies, acquire at least 20-gallon., like many other fish species among livebearer enthusiasts mollies and platys are the. In captivity with adult swordtails the same family: the genus Xiphophorus to! Captivity with adult swordtails spots for the fried chicken found out that a Molly... Aquarium caretaker with an eye for sales believe they can interbreed under main. A reputation for being hostile tankmate for Molly fish tank Mates for the fried....