Mollies are popular live-bearing aquarium fish that give birth to live fry instead of laying eggs. If you’ve been lucky enough to have a molly give birth, you’ll soon have a tank full of elegant little baby mollies swimming around. However, raising a baby Molly fish requires special care in the first few months of life to grow up healthy.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about setting up a nursery tank, feeding, maintaining optimal water conditions, treating common illnesses, and eventually integrating the fry into the main tank. With the right care, you can successfully raise hearty molly fry.
How Baby Mollies Are Born?
Mollies are live-bearing fish meaning they give birth to fry rather than laying eggs.
First things first, you need to know how to tell if a molly is a boy or a girl. Males and females have different features, and understanding this is crucial for the breeding process.
Mollies reach a stage where they are ready to give birth. Keep an eye out for a dark spot near the anal fin, known as the gravid spot. When this spot becomes darker and larger, it’s a clear sign that a pregnant female molly is about to bring new life into the world.
When it’s time for the big moment, female mollies may show signs of aggression and start hiding. This behavior is a natural part of the birthing process. Pay attention to these clues to ensure a smooth delivery.
They often give birth to a significant number of fry. Keep in mind that this process repeats approximately every 30 days, continuing for around three years.
After birth, molly fry is ready to swim immediately. However, adult mollies might not be the best caretakers; they can sometimes see the fry as a snack! Even though baby mollies are tough, caring for and raising the baby molly fish is essential to boost their chances of growing into healthy adults.
Check out our detailed article on the growth stages of molly fish, which covers everything from fry to adulthood. Now, let’s focus on how to care for these tiny swimmers.
Just like any fish, molly fry needs attention. The care level, equipment, diet, and maintenance are similar to other fish. By following some simple steps, you can increase the chances of their survival and watch them grow into beautiful adult mollies.
Setting Up And Maintaining Nursery Tank
Setting up a safe space while raising your baby molly fish is crucial for their well-being. Adult mollies tend to see their fry as snacks, so creating a separate tank is essential to increase their chances of survival.
All you need is a tank, some live plants that are easy to care for, a gentle sponge filter, a heater and a thermometer to monitor and maintain water temperature, and a breeding box. So, let’s go step by step on how to set up and maintain a nursery tank for your precious molly fry.
Step 1: Getting a Bigger Fry Tank
The initial step in setting up a nurturing environment for your baby molly fish is selecting an appropriately sized tank. Choosing a 20-gallon tank is ideal, considering mollies typically give birth to around 100 fry at a time. This ensures there’s ample space for the growing fry to move, reducing stress and promoting a healthier environment.
When choosing a tank, think of it as finding a spacious home for your aquatic family. A larger tank not only accommodates the active nature of baby mollies but also contributes to stable water conditions for Molly fish.
Step 2: Invest In A Good Filter
With your tank ready, the next essential step is setting up a dependable filter. In the confined space of an aquarium, a filter acts as a vital cleaning companion, ensuring a healthy aquatic environment. This becomes even more crucial in a fry tank, providing an ideal space for your baby mollies to thrive.
Select a gentle filter, such as an air-driven filter, to protect the delicate fry. This type of filter ensures the safety of your baby mollies, preventing any accidental entanglements. Specifically designed for biological filtration, an air-driven filter becomes a reliable guardian, maintaining a clean and secure environment for the development of your tiny aquatic companions. Investing in a quality filter is akin to ensuring a pristine and comfortable haven for your growing molly family.
Step 3: Adding Live Plants
Enhance your fry tank by introducing live plants, offering both visual appeal and crucial benefits for your baby molly fish.
Live plants are more than just decorations—they provide essential hiding spots for sensitive baby mollies. These plants play a key role in maintaining water quality by absorbing toxins during photosynthesis, reducing the impact of frequent water changes on the fry’s delicate health.
Live plants also act as natural oxygenators, ensuring a well-oxygenated environment crucial for the fry’s overall well-being. Additionally, they serve as a nutritional source, fulfilling the plant-based diet needs of the fry. By incorporating live plants, you not only enhance the visual appeal of your fry tank but also create a harmonious and nurturing habitat for the flourishing baby mollies.
Step 4: Maintain Warmer Water Between 76 to 80 °F
Mollies are tropical fish, and for their fry, a specific temperature range is crucial. Aim to set the tank temperature between 76 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 24 to 27 degrees Celsius). To achieve this, invest in a 100-watt heater for a 20-gallon tank. Remember, you’ll need around 5 watts of heating power per gallon of water in your tank.
Opt for an old-school thermometer, as it provides accurate readings and is cost-effective. This reliable tool ensures you can monitor and maintain a consistent temperature in your fry tank. While adult mollies prefer temperatures between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s important to note that baby mollies thrive better in a slightly warmer environment—between 76 to 80 °F. This elevated temperature encourages a faster metabolism, prompting the molly fry to consume more food and accelerate their growth rate.
Step 5: Optimizing Lighting Condition
Creating the right lighting atmosphere is essential for the well-being of your baby molly fish.
To replicate the natural environment of molly fish, provide light to your fry tank for approximately 8 to 12 hours daily. This not only establishes a day and night cycle but also contributes to the overall health of the fish. Avoiding prolonged periods of darkness is particularly important, as baby mollies raised in dim environments may develop deformed spines.
For this step, a regular tank light is sufficient. You can also use a timer to regulate the lighting in your fry tank, ensuring consistency in their environment. If your room receives ample natural light, the indirect sunlight is adequate for the baby molly fish. However, it’s crucial not to exceed 12-14 hours of light per day, as the fry require sufficient darkness for rest.
Regular Water Change (50%)
We have already discussed that water quality is the number one priority when raising a fish in your aquarium. Yes, we talked about fish tank filters to keep the water clean, however, the filter just circulates the tank water, cleans the water, and works in a cycle, however, you need fresh water in your tank too to not only keep the tank water clean but fresh too.
Fresh water can stimulate fry growth, so, depending on your tank size and number of baby molly fish, consider performing 50% to 75% water change twice a week. Never overdo water change as it disrupts the natural nitrogen cycle process in your aquarium. When topping off your aquarium water, rainwater is the best replacement water, never directly add tap water to your fry tank as it may contain chemicals like chlorine that can affect baby Molly’s health.
If you only have tap water to top off your tank, age the water using a dechlorinator to remove harmful chemicals and make the water fish-friendly. Or, if you have an RO filter installed in your home, you can use it too.
Weekly Tank Cleanup
Along with changing the water in your tank, cleaning the tank is also very important. The fry tank, being a hub of activity, tends to accumulate waste like uneaten food, algae, and fish waste.
To clean the fry tank effectively, start by removing 50% of the tank water into a fresh bucket, and carefully relocating the Molly fry to ensure their safety. Introduce an airstone and turn on the air pump to maintain oxygen levels. Employ a scrubber to clean algae and grime off the glass, decorations, substrate, and tank equipment. Clean the filter and filter media gently, using tank water to preserve beneficial bacteria. Return all equipment to the tank, and replenish with fresh water as discussed in the previous section on regular water changes.
Patience is key as you wait for the water temperature to reach the optimal level before slowly pouring it into the tank, preventing shock to your Molly fry.
Separating Your Baby Mollies
As we already know, you need to separate molly fry for their survival rate, there are two ways you can do it, let the mother molly give birth in the main tank and move the baby fish to the fry tank. Or shift the mother to the breeding tank and let her give birth in that tank then remove the mother after she finishes giving birth. The second option is the option that increases the survival rate of the fry as they can be eaten in the first option where the mother gives birth in the main tank. Also, make sure the water parameters in the main tank and the fry tank are similar as if there is a drastic change in the water quality, it can affect the mother Molly, and her babies. It’s better to use water from the main tank in the fry tank.
Feeding Your Baby Mollies
Feeding Molly Fry (diet) is one of the most important tasks in Molly Fry Care. Although they have a very small appetite, their digestion cycle is as quick as 30 minutes. This is why you will see Molly fry roaming around every corner of the tank in search of food. However, this does not mean you need to feed the fry every half an hour, this degrades the water quality. For optimal growth, consider feeding the fry 4 times a day in a very small portion. Then remove any uneaten foods.
As Mollies are omnivore fish, they need both protein-based food and plant-based food, just like their adult version. Just ensure that you crush the food into fine powder, i.e., small enough for their tiny mouths, before giving it to the Molly fry.
For their protein diet, consider providing them with micro foods like baby brine shrimp, daphnia, microworms, vinegar eels, and, Infusoria. These live foods are packed with nutrients and mimic their natural diet, which are beneficial for their health and development. If live food isn’t available, you can go for frozen or dried foods or hard-boiled egg york are also a great alternative. When you prepare hard-boiled eggs, make sure the egg yolk is not runny. And to give them egg your, turn the egg york into a paste and give it to the fry in small amounts twice a day.
Along with live food, you can give your baby Mollies specialized high-protein power foods that are designed for baby fish. Micro powdered fry food like Tetra Tetramin Baby Micro Flakes, Hikari First Bites, Easy Fry and Small Fish Food are great choices.
Common Health Problems Affecting Baby Mollies
Keeping your baby mollies in good health involves being watchful about common diseases.
Keep a close eye on your baby mollies for signs of common health problems. Bent spine, sores, and tail and fin rot are frequent concerns. Promptly identify any fry displaying these symptoms, as early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
Act swiftly if you notice signs of sickness. Remove any ailing fry to a hospital tank to prevent the spread of disease throughout the main tank. Isolating sick fish ensures the well-being of the overall population and minimizes the risk of a widespread outbreak.
Regularly monitor the health of your baby mollies to catch any issues early. However, when it comes to treatment, avoid medicating the fry tank directly. Baby mollies are highly sensitive to changes, including medications. Instead, set up a separate tank for treating sick fish. This not only protects the delicate balance in the main fry tank but also ensures that the medication is targeted and effective. By taking a proactive and cautious approach to the health of your baby mollies, you can create a thriving and disease-resistant aquatic environment.
Separating Male and Female Mollies
Female mollies typically reach their breeding age between 2 to 3 months, and impressively, they can store sperm for up to 3 months. If you wish to prevent unplanned reproduction, it becomes crucial to separate male and female fry before they reach maturity and breeding capability.
Around 3 to 4 weeks of age, male mollies begin to exhibit distinct characteristics. One noticeable feature is the dark coloration of their bodies compared to females. This visual difference serves as a key indicator, making it the opportune time for separation. By segregating male and female fry during this period, you can effectively manage and control the breeding population in your tank.
It’s essential to note that mollies achieve their full size within 4 months of age. This milestone further emphasizes the importance of timely separation to prevent unintended breeding. By understanding and acting upon these developmental stages, you can successfully create a balanced and controlled environment for your molly fish.
Moving Baby Mollies to the Community Tank
Introducing juvenile molly fish to the community tank involves the strategic use of a breeding net, providing a protective space for the young fry as they acclimate to their new surroundings. Timing is critical, and the shift should occur once the baby mollies surpass a size larger than the mouths of other tankmates, preventing them from becoming prey. Here is the step-by-step process to shift your baby molly fry safely to the main tank.
Step 1: Watch Their Growth:
Observing the growth of your molly fry is the initial and crucial step before moving them to the main tank. It typically takes around 2 months for the fry to reach a size suitable for the transition. Ensure they have grown large enough to coexist safely with the other fish in the main tank. Moving the fry prematurely may lead to tension between them and the larger tankmates.
A key indicator is that the fry should be visibly larger than the mouths of adult molly fish, providing a clear sign that they are ready for the community tank environment. Patience during this phase ensures a smoother integration and minimizes potential conflicts among the fish.
Step 2: Acclimating the Fry
Before directly transferring the fry into the main tank, it’s crucial to acclimate them to the new environment. This is because the water parameters, including temperature, pH, and hardness, might differ between the fry tank and the main tank.
To achieve a smooth transition, use a container and fill it halfway with water from the fry tank. Employ an air pump and air stone to ensure proper aeration of the water in the container. Now, initiate the acclimation process using the drip method. Using an air pipe and air controller, regulate the drip to two to three drops per second.
This gradual acclimation helps the fry adjust to the variations in water conditions, reducing stress and enhancing their chances of successfully integrating into the main tank.
Step 3: Use a Breeding Net
Ensuring the safety of the molly fry during their transition to the main tank involves the use of a breeding net. Start by cleaning the breeding net thoroughly before placing it in the main tank.
Attach the breeding net securely to the side of your main tank to provide a protected space for the fry. Gently move all the molly fry into the breeding net, taking care not to overcrowd it. It’s crucial to allow enough room for the fry to swim comfortably. This precaution prevents stress and ensures a secure environment for the fry as they acclimate to the larger tank.
Step 4: Moving Baby Molly into the Main Tank
Before releasing the molly fry into the main tank, carefully assess the behavior of the adult molly fish. Check for signs of aggression, ensuring the adults are acting normally and not displaying aggressive behavior towards the fry.
If the adult fish show no signs of aggression and behave calmly, it’s safe to release the fry into the main tank. However, if the adult fish exhibit chasing or bullying behavior towards the fry, it’s advisable to keep the fry within the breeding net for a few days until the adults stop displaying aggression. This precautionary step provides a grace period for the fry to acclimate further and minimizes the risk of harm from aggressive tankmates.
Step 5: Keeping Juvenile Mollies Safe In The Main Tank
Introduce ample hiding spaces by adding plants and caves to the tank. These additions serve as protective shelters, offering shelter for juvenile mollies from potential aggression or predation by larger fish. The presence of hiding spots contributes to a harmonious coexistence in the tank, allowing the juvenile mollies to thrive and grow without the threat of intimidation or harm.
FAQs
How Many Babies Do Mollies Have?
Mollies are prolific livebearers, giving birth to up to 100 fry at once. This large batch of offspring is a unique feature of mollies, making them a fascinating species for aquarium enthusiasts. The ability to produce a substantial number of fry adds to the excitement of breeding and observing their vibrant growth.
How To Make Molly Fry Grow Faster?
To accelerate the growth of molly fry, ensure a diverse and nutritious diet. Feed them frequently with small portions throughout the day, providing a mix of high-quality fry food, crushed flakes, and freshly hatched brine shrimp. Regular water changes and maintaining optimal tank conditions further support their rapid development.
How To Keep The Fry Tank Clean?
Maintain a clean fry tank by performing regular water changes (50% to 75% twice a week), using a gentle air-driven filter, and incorporating live plants for natural filtration. Avoid overfeeding to minimize waste, and clean the tank equipment with tank water to preserve the beneficial bacteria. Regular tank cleanups ensure a healthy environment for molly fry.
When Can I Determine the Gender of A Molly Fry?
The gender of molly fry can be determined when they are around 3 to 4 weeks old. Male mollies typically exhibit darker coloration compared to females. Observing these color differences during this developmental stage allows for accurate gender identification in juvenile mollies.
How Long Can You Keep Molly Fry in a Breeding Box?
Molly fry can be kept in a breeding box for a maximum of 2 weeks. However, it’s crucial to provide enough space for them to swim and grow. Prolonged confinement in a small space may adversely affect their growth rate and overall well-being.
Do Mollies Give Birth To All Fry At Once?
Mollies typically give birth to all fry at once. While small in size, a female Molly can produce a relatively large batch of fry, often around 100, in a single birthing event.
Can I Keep Molly Fry In A Fishbowl?
No, keeping Molly fry in a fishbowl is not advisable. A fishbowl lacks the necessary space and essential features such as filtration, hiding spots, and an aquarium heater, compromising the well-being and growth of the fry. It’s crucial to provide a proper aquarium setup to ensure their health and development.
Conclusion
From separating them from the main tank to nurturing them well in another tank, these aspects are essential to care for Molly Fry. Also, feeding them a healthy diet and preventing them from fish disease are crucial things you should be aware of while looking after them.
However, you need not worry about your Molly fry once you understand everything about their care.
Remember, you will be the only one who saves them after birth from their parents and other fish species.
Therefore, keep your Molly fry safe and healthy!
