As I’ve mentioned above, mollies are usually pregnant for a period anywhere from 20 to 40 days (average 30 days) Of course, that would be how long they’ll last from conception to birth But before this period, there is usually a courtship period between the male and female molly, which can last another couple of days
How long does it take for a molly fish to give birth?
The gestation period of a molly fish is around 60 days Female mollies can store sperm for months and may fertilize eggs as often as every 30 days, even when no male is present in the tank Mollies may release 10 to 60 live fish at a time
How long will a fish be pregnant?
As examples, the female swordtail and guppy will both give birth to anywhere from 20 to 100 live young after a gestation period of four to six weeks, and mollies will produce a brood of 20 to 60 live young after a gestation of six to 10 weeks
How do I know when my molly fish will give birth?
Look for the gravid spot on the fish’s abdomen near the rear tail The spot should appear large and dark when her eggs are fertilized You will know your fish is close to giving birth when the spot becomes nearly black Some fish may show white spots instead of black
Do mollies eat their babies?
Cannibalism is normal with mollies and other livebearers like guppies and platys As fecund as they are, you don’t really need to worry about saving every last one
Can mollies change gender?
Mollies are not able to change gender The gender of these fish is determined by their genetics so it is impossible for them to change sex
How will I know if my fish is pregnant?
As your female fish becomes pregnant, she will grow a bulge at the back of her abdomen This typically appears over the course of 20-40 days Does your fish have a red or black spot? Sometimes, when a female fish is pregnant, she will develop a “gravid spot” on the abdomen
How many eggs do Mollies lay?
How many eggs do molly typically lay? None They’re live-bearers, which means live birth Anywhere from a few to over a hundred could be born
Do pregnant mollies hide?
A gravid molly will have a change in behavior, usually becoming slower, and tend to hide more than is normal only coming out to feed Your fish might also become more aggressive to tank mates, particularly those that venture into her hiding spot
How many fish do Mollies give birth to?
Gestation and Birth Female mollies will gestate their young for about 60 days They can give birth to between 40 and 100 fry Mollies that are young or are having one of their first few pregnancies will tend to give birth to a smaller rather than larger number of fry
How do mollies mate?
The Basic Mating Behavior of Black Mollies When black mollies mate, the male will transfer milt, the fluid that contains his sperm, into the female’s body using is gonopodium The gonopodium is a special anal fin that is shaped like a rod rather than a normal fin
How fast do baby fish grow?
How Long Does It Take a Fish to Grow to Full Size? The length of time it takes a fish to reach its full size depends on many different variables, but usually, in about 1-2 year, your fish should be the adult size
Will baby fish survive in my tank?
Not necessarily Many fish breed very easily and produce great numbers of offspring, simply because very few will survive to adulthood The more fish in your tank, the more you will need to feed them, the more feces they will produce and the harder your filtration system will have to work
Can mollies crossbreed?
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 So, put simply, different colors and shapes of mollies are still the same fish and will readily breed
Can I keep two male mollies together?
Mollies tend to stick together most of the time, which is why you should keep them in groups of 4 or more If you are planning to keep more than 4 mollies, make sure you get a 20-gallon tank at least Since male mollies are aggressive breeders, adding more females should divert the males’ attention between them
What female fish turns into a male?
In animals Clownfish, wrasses, moray eels, gobies and other fish species are known to change sex, including reproductive functions A school of clownfish is always built into a hierarchy with a female fish at the top When she dies, the most dominant male changes sex and takes her place
How do you tell if your fish is pregnant or just fat?
Carrying Eggs – One reason your fish may appear slightly bigger is because it is carrying eggs If your fish is a female, is not overly fat, and is normal in most other regards, this is a very high possibility Another indication is if your fish has an enlarged vent; this is where the eggs will come out
Why do my fish hide in the corner of the tank?
Because hiding is a natural instinct for fish, offering more hiding places in your aquarium can help your fish feel more secure and at ease Extra hiding places can even help shy fish feel bolder as they come out to explore, and additional obstacles in the tank provide enrichment to keep fish active and entertained
What do you do with a pregnant fish?
The female can be placed back into the main tank once she has given birth and the fry can be raised in the breeding trap or a larger breeding net Ideally, pregnant females should be placed on their own in a separate aquarium with lots of feathery plants where they can give birth in a stress-free environment
How do I stop my molly fish from breeding?
How to Avoid Unwanted Fish Breeding in Your Tank Buy only one gender of fish, preferably males If you don’t have male and female fish together, there is less chance for baby fish to appear Choose egg-laying species rather than live bearers Adjust tanks conditions to make breeding less comfortable
How can you tell if fish are mating?
Mating Ritual Signs that your goldfish are ready to mate include white spots along the gills of the males, and the female will become fatter and more rounded The male will then chase the female around the tank to encourage her to release her eggs
Do Mollies breed easily?
Mollies are livebearers, which means their eggs develop inside their body so that live fry can be released They are one of the easiest fish groups to breed in captivity and will mate regularly