Molly fish are a popular freshwater aquarium fish known for being peaceful, social, and giving live birth to their young. However, Molly parents have a reputation for being poor caregivers to their fry. So do molly fish actually eat their babies?
Quick Answer:
Yes, Molly fish will readily eat their own fry if given the chance. While surprising to some aquarium owners, this behavior is quite common among live-bearing fish species.
In this article, we’ll cover why molly adults nibble on their babies, how to prevent it, and tips for keeping your molly fry safe as they grow.
About Molly Fish And Their Babies
Molly fish are well-known for their friendly and sociable nature. Belonging to the livebearing fish group, they stand out as unique parents by giving birth to their babies directly.
On the other hand, Molly babies(Molly Fries) are the adorable offspring of Molly fish, but they’re so tiny that spotting them in the aquarium can be a bit challenging. Despite their small size, the number of baby Mollies born at once adds a lively touch to your tank. Their small and elegant appearance makes them a delight to observe.
These social fish quickly become active and playful in the aquarium after their birth. However, it’s crucial to understand that Molly Fry needs special care to thrive. While some might think it’s a good idea to keep them with their parents, this isn’t the case. Contrary to popular belief, Molly fish aren’t skilled at parenting, and keeping them with their fry can be risky.
Do Molly Fish Eat Their Babies?
Yes, Grown-up mollies won’t hesitate to nibble on and eat their own babies. Mollies are kind of like eating machines that swallow up anything small enough to fit in their mouths, and unfortunately, that includes their own babies!
When adult mollies are feeling hungry or stressed, they might get a bit too aggressive and start nipping at the fry. Since the babies don’t have any protective parents around, they become easy targets for the hungry mollies. Surprisingly, Molly parents don’t really recognize or look out for their own babies once they’re born. It’s a tough world out there for the little ones!
Do All Molly Species Eat Their Babies?
Every type of molly, no matter how uniquely they might look, shares a common trait—they all tend to eat their own babies. Despite their difference in appearance, Molly species exhibit similar behaviors, styles, and natural actions. When it comes to eating their babies, it turns out that all Molly species aren’t exactly parenting pros.
So, whether you have a fancy-looking Molly or a more understated one, the chances are they might not be the greatest caregivers when it comes to their little ones.
Why Do Molly Fish Eat Their Babies?
Molly fish, despite their usual diet of pellets and live foods, sometimes see their own babies as tasty treats. This odd behavior is often triggered by various factors in their environment and can be influenced by the conditions in the aquarium. Some of the reasons why Molly fish eat their own babies are mentioned below:
1. Small Size Of Molly Fry
The size of Molly fry plays a crucial role in why adult Molly fish might sense them as a common and convenient source of live food. Molly fish typically accept a variety of foods in their diet, including small pellets and live foods. However, due to the tiny size of their fry compared to their regular food, Molly parents may view them as suitable bite-sized snacks.
In the aquarium setting, this perception translates into an instinctive behavior where adult Molly fish actively chase and nip at their own offspring. This behavior arises from the belief that the tiny size of the fry makes them easily consumable. It’s important to note that this behavior is inherent to Molly fish and is not a conscious decision but rather an instinct influenced by the size disparity between their fry and their regular food sources.
2. Overcrowded Tank
An overcrowded tank sets the stage for increased competition among the fish for essential resources such as food, space, and shelter. In this scenario, Molly parents, like many other fish species, may see their fry as potential rivals in the race for these limited resources within the confined space.
The perception of the fry as competitors triggers a behavior where the adult Molly fish see their own offspring as rivals and may, unfortunately, treat them as a convenient snack. This behavior is an instinctive response to the heightened competition in the overcrowded environment.
3. Lack Of Food
In aquariums where the availability of food becomes limited, Molly fish, known for their opportunistic eating habits, may face a scarcity of their usual diet. Faced with the challenge of finding sufficient nourishment, Molly parents might resort to an unfortunate alternative – consuming their own fry as a quick and readily available source of food.
The behavior of consuming their offspring in times of food shortage is rooted in the instinct of Molly fish to ensure their own survival. As opportunistic eaters, they adapt to the immediate environment, and if the regular food supply is insufficient, their instinct leads them to consider their fry as a nutritional resource.
4. Stress Factors
Molly fish, being living beings, are sensitive to stress, which can arise from various sources, including sudden environmental changes or the presence of aggressive tank mates. One significant stressor for Molly fish is unhealthy water conditions. Poor water quality can profoundly impact the well-being of Molly fish, leading to heightened stress levels.
The connection between stress and the likelihood of Molly parents nipping at their fry is complicated. When Molly fish experience stress, their behavior can be significantly affected, and unfortunately, one manifestation of this stress is an increased inclination to consume their own offspring. This behavior is triggered by the instinctive response of Molly fish to challenging circumstances.
5. Lack Of Parental Instincts
Molly fish aren’t great at being parents. Unlike some other fish that really look after their babies, Molly fish don’t have strong instincts to protect or take care of their fry. This means the little baby Mollies don’t get the care and attention they need.
Because of this, the babies become vulnerable, like a quick snack for the adult Molly fish. It’s not that the parents are mean; they just don’t have that strong urge to look out for their little ones.
Protecting Molly Babies From Their Parent Molly Fish
Molly fish have a tendency to see their own babies as potential snacks, but there are effective ways to prevent this from happening. By taking a few simple steps, you can create a safe environment for the Molly fry and ensure they grow up without becoming a quick meal for their parents.
1. Placing The Molly Fry In A Separate Tank
The smartest move to keep Molly babies safe is to put them in their very own tank as soon as they are born. In a separate tank of around 5 to 10 gallons, there are no big fish around to bother the Molly Fry. It’s like having their own private space where they can live happily without any trouble from the bigger fish. This way, little Molly Fry can grow up peacefully without any stress or negative stuff happening.
2. Isolating The Mother In A Breeding Tank
Another cool way to keep Molly babies safe is by giving their mom a special tank, called a breeding tank. These are smaller tanks, usually around 10 to 20 gallons, designed for the mother Molly to give birth in a safe and controlled environment. When the babies are about to be born, we move the mother Molly out of the main tank, leaving the little ones all by themselves.
It makes sure the parent Molly, either by accident or on purpose, doesn’t harm the newborns. This way, the baby Mollies get their own safe space to grow and be happy.
If you are looking for a better choice of a breeding tank, we recommend you Capetsma Fish Breeding Box.
3. Providing Adequate Diets
To make sure Molly parents don’t see their babies as snacks, we need to give them the right kind of food. We should provide them with a proper portion—just enough so they feel full and happy. Molly fish usually eat a couple of times a day, so a small pinch of food each time is plenty. Feed them once in the morning and once in the evening. They’ll be super happy and less likely to snack on their babies.
Molly fish love a mix of things, like specially made flakes, pellets, or even tiny live or frozen foods. It’s like serving them a buffet with lots of options, so they don’t get bored with the same old meal. A balanced diet not only fills their tummies but also helps them lose that urge to nibble on their own kids.
If you want more detailed information on providing adequate diets to Molly fish, read our article “How Often Do You Feed Molly Fish?”
4. Creating Plenty of Space And Hiding Spots
Preventing Molly fish from feeding on their babies involves setting up a tank with ample space and hiding spots. By adding plants and decorations, you create secret hiding spots that offer a sense of security for both adult Mollies and their fry. Ensuring there’s enough room in the tank reduces the crowded feeling, giving each Molly their own space to roam. This harmonious coexistence is crucial in minimizing stress on the adult Mollies, decreasing the likelihood of them viewing the fry as potential snacks.
In essence, creating a well-decorated and spacious environment fosters a peaceful underwater world where both adults and their babies can thrive without the risk of cannibalism.
How To Keep The Molly Babies Safe?
Ensuring the safety of Molly Fry involves creating a secure and healthy environment. Let’s explore the key ways to achieve this, from setting up the tank correctly to preventing diseases and maintaining cleanliness.
1. Adequate Tank Setups
For molly fries to be safe in a tank, an adequate tank setup is required. Think of it like making a cozy bedroom for Molly Fries.
Here I have mentioned some of the requirements for an adequate tank setup of a Molly Fry.
Water Temperatures
Molly Fries prefer water that’s not too hot or too cold—around 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 27 degrees Celsius) works great. Use adjustable aquarium heaters such as the FREESEA Aquarium Fish Tank Heater to easily adjust the water temperature suitable for your Molly Fry.
Lighting
Just like we need light in our rooms, Molly Fry needs it too. Keep the tank light on for about 12 hours a day. It’s like having a day-and-night cycle for them. Prefer using high-quality aquarium lights such as hygger 42W 24/7 Lighting Aquarium LED Light for your Molly Fry.
Hiding Spots
Imagine having cool spots to play hide-and-seek. Molly fry loves that too! Add little hiding spots in the tank, like tiny caves or plants. It’s like having secret spots where they can feel safe.
Live Plants
Live Plants are like decorations that Molly Fry can nibble on. They love it! Live plants also give them a natural feel, like being in their own little underwater world.
Adequate Space
Give them room to swim around. It’s like having enough space to move in your room. So, make sure the tank is not too small, around 10 gallon tank is great. This way, they have their own space to explore and grow.
2. Using Tank Dividers
To keep baby Molly fish safe, we use a special tool called a tank divider. The divider separates the tank into two sections, creating a safe space just for the Molly fry. It’s like having your own play area away from others. It’s like giving them their own playground away from the bigger fish in the main tank, ensuring they won’t be mistaken for tasty snacks.
The key is having small gaps in the divider—big enough for water to flow through but just right to keep the baby Mollies safely in their section. It’s like setting up a secure play zone, allowing the little ones to swim freely without the worry of wandering into the main tank.
3. Clean Environment
A clean aquarium is an important aspect of the tank for Molly Fry. Ensuring a clean environment for baby Molly fish is like giving them a neat and healthy home. Just as we clean our rooms, we regularly clean the water in their tank, keeping it fresh and crystal clear. Changing the water is a bit like refreshing their swimming pool, and the best part is that the little Mollies stay safe and happy throughout the process.
This cleanliness is crucial because it prevents infections and ensures the baby Mollies grow up strong. Think of it as creating a tidy and comfortable space for them to thrive, much like enjoying a breath of fresh air in a clean room.
4. Prevention from diseases
Just like we try to avoid getting sick, we want baby Molly fish to stay healthy too. Tiny things like fungi and parasites in the water can make baby Mollies very sick. They’re like little germs that can cause a lot of problems. Keeping the water clean is key. It’s like washing our hands to avoid getting sick. Clean water helps prevent these germs from making the baby Mollies unwell.
If, by chance, the baby Mollies show signs of illness, there’s a special medicine called Methylene Blue, acting like a superhero doctor to help them heal. But, just as we only take medicine when needed, use this magic medicine carefully, observing signs of sickness first. It’s like having a doctor’s visit for the baby Mollies, ensuring they stay healthy and happy in their underwater home.
For more details on keeping Molly Fry safe, refer to our article “How To Care For Molly Fry?”.
How Long Should The Baby Mollies Live Separately?
Baby Mollies begin their growing adventure around 4 to 6 weeks after birth, transforming from tiny tots to more grown-up fish. It’s like watching them take their first steps into fish adulthood.
If you’re not quite sure when they’re ready to join the larger Molly community, it’s totally okay to play it safe and wait for about four months. Picture it as giving them time to become fish teenagers. Once these little ones are all grown up and officially adult Mollies, you can confidently introduce them to their fellow fish buddies, ensuring a harmonious aquatic family. It’s like making sure they’re fully equipped for the underwater world!
Also read: “How Long Does Molly Fry Take To Grow?”
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What Is Molly Fry’s Survival Rate?
The survival rate of Molly fry is approximately 50%. This percentage accounts for the risk posed by their own parents, who may accidentally nip at them due to their small size if proper safety measures are not taken immediately after birth.
How Often Does Molly Have Babies?
Molly fish have a remarkable reproductive frequency, giving birth approximately every 30 days. During each birthing cycle, a single female Molly has the potential to release a substantial number of offspring, ranging from 20 to as many as 100 fry at a time.
Does Male Mollies Eat Their Babies?
Yes, male Mollies may exhibit cannibalistic behavior, particularly when experiencing stress and hunger. In certain situations, they might feed on the fry, including their own offspring. The challenge arises because male Mollies struggle to distinguish between their own fry and those of others.
What Does Molly Fries Eat?
Molly fry doesn’t demand a special diet, but considering their tiny mouths, it’s essential to provide appropriately sized food. Crushed foods that fit in their mouths work well. Examples of suitable foods include glass worms, black worms, bloodworms, and small shrimp.
Will Other Tankmate Also Feed On Molly Fry?
Yes, other tankmates, especially adult fish, may consider Molly fry as potential food. Larger and more predatory fish species may view the tiny fry as easy prey.
When Do Mollies Stop Eating Their Babies?
Mollies, particularly the parents, may continue to view their offspring as potential snacks throughout their lives. But, when the fry reaches a size where they are no longer considered bite-sized by the adult Mollies, Mollies stop eating their babies.
Conclusion
While the act of adult mollies consuming their offspring may seem surprising, it’s a natural behavior that can be managed with careful planning and attention. Successfully raising healthy molly fry involves providing extra protection until they reach a size where the risk of being eaten decreases. Witnessing the birth of baby Mollies is a delightful sight, but keeping them in the same tank without precautionary measures can lead to a decline in their numbers due to parental cannibalism. It’s a peculiar reality of Molly fish behavior – the adults may see their own babies as a regular part of their diet.
To ensure the optimal growth of baby Mollies, it’s essential to keep them separated from the adult Mollies until they are large enough to safely coexist in the main tank. This thoughtful approach allows for a thriving and harmonious aquatic environment.
Also Read: “How Long Does It Take For Molly Fish Fry To Show Their Gender?”
