So, I'm pretty sure my molly is pregnant. please correct me if i'm wrong.
She gave birth a month 1/2 - 2 months ago and I've raised the 3 fry I noticed.
Since then I decided I would build something to raise fry and give her a bigger tank. She resides in a 20 gallon with some platys. I have an empty 20 gallon setup for her to shoot out some babies. Additionally I just setup two 10 gallons and just put in some sponge filters in the 20 gallons to gain some bateria.
So, I have noticed that she's been getting really fat this past week. Is she ready to be isolated? Or am I just getting too exctied.
Here is a pic of her, if I can figure out how to do it right.
I can't exactly tell from that angle, but it looks like she's on her way. You'll be able to tell she's about to drop when she "squares out", which is exactly what it sounds like. The part near her gravid spot pokes out and becomes square shaped.
I would leave the molly in well established tank. And provide place or places for young to hide ,either live plants such as hornwort or water sprite which you may find at garden shops that sell pond plants or at local fish store. The bacteria in tanks recently set up may or may not be established yet. Many of the fry wil survive if hiding places are there. Once they begin to get some size then you could move them if you wish as long as water parameters in the tank or tanks you move them to is suitable for their survival. Almost forgot! plastic plants ,fern type can also be used for fry to hide in. Walmart, and hobby stores usually have them. Pregnant fish are easily stressed and I would not move her unless male molly or platy,s were harrassing her. Opinions vary, only you can decide . just thought I would offer option. :wink:
If you have a well cycled tank to put her in and there is plenty of cover, go ahead and move her. It looks to me like probably a couple of weeks off but what's the harm in her getting comfortable for a wek or two before she gives birth. I think that beats trying to confine her at the last minute and causing lots of stress in the process. I just did this sort of. I bought a female that I liked that was obviously pregnant and put her in her own tank as a sort of QT and breeding tank in one. About 3 weeks later she had a good sized drop of 30 to 40 fry and by that time everything was perfect for her to have her fry and then move to her permanent home in the community tank. That was 3 weeks ago and my fry are looking great in the grow out tank that they were born in.
I agree, moving her is ok as long as you are moving her to a situation that will not be stressful. If she's going into her own tank she'll be better off getting used to it before she gives birth. If you make sure to feed her several times a day, she'll shouldn't try to eat her fry at all, at least for a little while, so you won't need a breeding trap to protect the fry.
I just bought some new fish for our tank last night. The girl asked me if it was ok if one of the four female Mollys was pregnant and I said yes, but now I realized I have no idea what to do with her. I am a very amateur tank owner. I buy fish and put them in the tank (10 gallon) when they die I replace them. I would like to get better at taking care of the tank, and do things less on accident and more on purpose! What should I do about my very prenant molly? Do I need to segregate her? I am pretty sure she is completely stressed out. I just walked into the room and found that she had committed fishy suicide! She lept out of the tank and onto the floor (I forgot to put the lid back on the tank after I floated the bags last night). A miracle of God must have saved her because I have no idea how long she was on the floor, but she seems to be ok now.
She shares the tank with 3 other females and a male, 2 sucker fish, 3 tiger barbs, a bala shark, and 2 skirted tetras.
thanks for any advice!
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