How Far Into Pregnancy Is My Platinum Molly? And When Should I Put Her In The Breeding Box?

How far into pregnancy is my platinum molly? This question is under the assumption that she is pregnant, like the guy at the fish store said. I just bought her today and want to make sure all of her babies aren't eaten. I would like to know when I should put her in the breeding box. Thank you!!

 

The problem with putting a molly in a breeding box is that it stresses them out.

The best way to save the fry is to plant the tank with plants that have enough stems of leaves or branches that the fry can hide in them. After the molly gives birth, you can move the fry to a new tank or move the mother.

For my own experience, my black molly female and one of my silvers has given birth to small litters. I didn't want more fish so I didnt remove the babies. I have 2 apongontens that have grown pretty big and, with no encouragement or help from me, 2 of the fry are still alive and growing in a tank with 4 mollies and a betta. The two fry are now about 1/2 inch, large enough that I can see the rear fin to sex them so I've had to accept I have 2 more females.

 

The problem with putting a molly in a breeding box is that it stresses them out.

The best way to save the fry is to plant the tank with plants that have enough stems of leaves or branches that the fry can hide in them. After the molly gives birth, you can move the fry to a new tank or move the mother.

For my own experience, my black molly female and one of my silvers has given birth to small litters. I didn't want more fish so I didnt remove the babies. I have 2 apongontens that have grown pretty big and, with no encouragement or help from me, 2 of the fry are still alive and growing in a tank with 4 mollies and a betta. The two fry are now about 1/2 inch, large enough that I can see the rear fin to sex them so I've had to accept I have 2 more females.

I will definitely take this advice. Do you have any idea how far she is from giving birth? I attached a picture of her in my original post

 

I will definitely take this advice. Do you have any idea how far she is from giving birth? I attached a picture of her in my original post

I'm honestly not sure but I think she may be at least a week out. Both of my mollies had a very 'boxy' look to them before the gave birth. Sort of, when you liked at them head on their stomach was more squarish rather than round.

I'm sorry I can't be of better help with how long until she gives birth.

One other thing, keeping her well fed might help save the fry as well. If she's full, she's less likely to eat.

 

I'm honestly not sure but I think she may be at least a week out. Both of my mollies had a very 'boxy' look to them before the gave birth. Sort of, when you liked at them head on their stomach was more squarish rather than round.

I'm sorry I can't be of better help with how long until she gives birth.

One other thing, keeping her well fed might help save the fry as well. If she's full, she's less likely to eat.

Thanks so much for all your help. One other question. What artificial plants are good for protecting fry? I have attached an of my fish tank, do you think that there is enough places for the babies to hide? Or should I add more? Thanks again!!

 

Thanks so much for all your help. One other question. What artificial plants are good for protecting fry? I have attached an of my fish tank, do you think that there is enough places for the babies to hide? Or should I add more? Thanks again!!

I think you have more hiding places for the fry than I do.

The only concern would have is if the fry will like the plastic enough to hide and if they're tall enough. Several of my fry hid higher than the others.

But there seems plenty of places small enough for the fry to hide in.

Just for reference, I'm putting in a picture of my tank.

IMG_20180730_085059_493

• Ravenahra
• Aug 10, 2018