Molly fish are popular freshwater aquarium fish known for their bright colors and peaceful temperament. But why would these little molly fish hide all of a sudden? Is it something to worry about?
Quick Answer:
Molly fish hide when they feel threatened or in a new environment. They also hide when their tank mates are aggressive towards them, whether in bullying or fighting for territory. Some Mollies even try to hide when pregnant, feel anxious, uncomfortable, or stressed in their environment.
In this article, we’ll discuss the top 7 reasons why mollies hide and provide tips on making them feel safe and comfortable again.
Overview of Molly Fish
Before diving into why mollies hide, let’s first go over some background on what type of fish they are.
Mollies belong to the Poeciliidae family of live-bearing aquarium fish. They are small, typically growing up to 4 inches long.
Native to Central America, mollies come in many color varieties and patterns, such as black, gold, and dalmatian. They have a short, rounded body shape.
In the wild, mollies inhabit freshwater environments like streams, lakes, and coastal lagoons. They prefer warm tropical climates and warm water temperatures between 70-80°F.
Mollies are peaceful community fish that can be kept with other non-aggressive tankmates. They are easy to care for, making them a popular beginner fish.
Do Molly Fish Hide?
Yes, Molly fish do hide, yet it is not a frequent occurrence. They will avoid any conflict in the tank and may hide when you add another molly to their environment. Or if there are other types of tropical fish with which they cannot compete for food.
Molly fish usually hide when they feel threatened. They have an instinct for self-preservation, so it’s common for them to seek shelter when they feel scared or stressed out.
Your tank provides the perfect place of safety, so you’ll likely spot your Molly taking cover in plants and rocks more often than not.
Why Do Molly Fish Hide?
Mollies are a prevalent fish for both beginner and experienced aquarium owners. However, if you owned this species before then, you should know that they can quickly feel frightened by their surroundings. It leads them to hide all day long in the tank.
Now let’s look at the top reasons mollies may start hiding in your aquarium and what to do about it.
1. New Tank Environment
When Molly fish are introduced to a new tank, whether they’re newcomers or existing members relocated to a different tank, they can feel stressed. The unfamiliar surroundings, changes in water conditions, and presence of new tankmates can be overwhelming for them. It’s natural for Molly fish to hide during this period as they take time to adjust to their new environment.
2. Aggressive Tankmates
Molly fish often hide when they are subjected to bullying from more aggressive tankmates. Fish that tend to nip, chase, or engage in fights can create an unsafe environment for mollies. To evade harassment, mollies seek hideouts among plants and tank decorations.
Some common aggressors that may target mollies include larger cichlids, goldfish, and tiger barbs. Additionally, male mollies can sometimes excessively harass females, especially during mating periods.
3. Water Quality Issues
Molly fish may hide due to water quality issues such as ammonia spikes, nitrite poisoning, or rapid pH fluctuations. These conditions signal danger to mollies, prompting them to instinctively seek hideout. Hiding allows them to minimize contact with compromised water, helping them stay protected in a sheltered space.
4. Insufficient Hiding Places
Molly fish naturally seek shelter among vegetation, rocks, sunken logs, and other structures in their wild habitat. In an aquarium setting, the absence of adequate hiding spots can leave them feeling exposed and insecure.
A tank lacking sufficient plants, caves, driftwood, and other decorations may compel mollies to retreat to a back corner or any available hiding spot to feel secure.
5. Too Much Light
Molly fish may hide in aquariums with excessive lighting and a lack of shaded areas, as they prefer sheltered spaces akin to their natural habitat. In the wild, they find shelter under vegetation and structures that block sunlight. However, in an overly bright tank, mollies may struggle to find suitable hiding spots.
6. Stress From Transport
Molly fish imported through the aquatic trade often experience significant stress. The process of being netted, bagged, and shipped over long distances is highly traumatic for them. As a result, newly imported mollies commonly hide for several days or even weeks after arriving at their new home.
The sudden change in environment, coupled with the stress of transportation, leaves them feeling fearful and vulnerable. It’s important to allow these mollies time to acclimate and recover from the rigors of transport in a calm and secure environment.
7. Pregnancy
Female mollies, particularly when pregnant, may exhibit increased hiding behavior before giving birth. During the “holding” period, pregnant mollies become reclusive and often seek shelter in thick vegetation or tank decor.
This hiding behavior is believed to be a protective instinct, providing shelter for the pregnant mollies during the birthing process. Once the fry are released, the females will typically resume normal activity.
During this vulnerable time, it’s crucial to respect the privacy of pregnant mollies. Providing dense thickets of plants for them to give birth in enhances their sense of security and ensures a conducive environment for the birthing process.
How To Comfort Hiding Molly Fish?
If your mollies are frequently hiding, it’s a clue that something in their environment needs addressed. Here are some general tips to make them feel more comfortable and encourage normal behavior:
1. Maintain Warm Temperature
Mollies are tropical fish. They feel most comfortable in warm temperatures ranging from 70-80°F (21-27°C). To ensure their well-being, consider using a reliable aquarium heater to regulate the water temperature. Adjust the heater settings accordingly to maintain a stable and comfortable environment for your Molly fish. Proper temperature control helps reduce stress and promotes their overall health and vitality.
2. Test and Correct Water Quality Issues
Regularly test the water in your aquarium to identify and address any potential quality issues. Use test kits to measure parameters such as ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and hardness levels.
Invest in quality filtration equipment, such as a reliable aquarium filter, to help maintain optimal water quality. Filters help remove waste, debris, and harmful substances, ensuring a healthy environment for your Molly fish. Consider using a water conditioner to neutralize chlorine and detoxify heavy metals present in tap water. Additionally, perform routine water changes to dilute accumulated toxins and replenish essential minerals.
3. Use Dim Lighting or Provide Shaded Areas
Consider adjusting the lighting in your aquarium to create a more comfortable environment for your Molly fish. If your tank has bright lighting, it may be beneficial to dim the lights or provide shaded areas where your fish can seek refuge from the brightness.
You can achieve this by adding floating plants, such as water lettuce or duckweed, to create natural shade. Alternatively, consider incorporating decorations like rocks, driftwood, or tall plants to create shaded areas where your Molly fish can hide and feel secure.
4. Choosing Appropriate Tank Mates
Selecting appropriate tank mates is vital for fostering a harmonious aquarium environment for your Molly fish. Opting for non-aggressive species that coexist well with mollies can significantly reduce stress-induced hiding behavior. Examples of suitable tank mates include peaceful community fish such as Neon Tetras, Platies, Corydoras Catfish, Swordtails, and Guppies.
Introducing compatible tank mates not only provides companionship for your Molly fish but also reduces their inclination to hide. It’s essential to ensure that the size, temperament, and dietary requirements of potential tank mates align with those of your mollies to promote a peaceful and thriving aquarium community.
5. Allow Extra Adjustment Time For New Molly Fish
When introducing new fish to your aquarium, consider implementing gradual acclimation methods such as drip acclimation to help them transition smoothly. Allow the fish to acclimate to the water parameters and social dynamics of the tank before expecting them to fully integrate into the community.
By allowing extra adjustment time, you give your Molly fish the opportunity to settle in comfortably, reducing their instinctual need to hide and promoting a sense of security in their new environment. This approach fosters healthier and more confident fish, contributing to the overall well-being of your aquarium inhabitants.
6. Leave Pregnant Females Undisturbed
One way to comfort hiding Molly fish, particularly pregnant females, is to leave them undisturbed until they give birth. Pregnant Molly fish often seek shelter in dense vegetation or tank decor as they approach their birthing time.
By allowing pregnant females to remain undisturbed in their hiding spots, you provide them with a sense of security and privacy during this vulnerable period. Disturbing them may cause unnecessary stress and disrupt the birthing process, potentially harming both the mother and her fry.
Respecting the natural instincts of pregnant Molly fish and giving them space to give birth in peace promotes a healthier and more stress-free environment for your aquarium community. After the fry are born, the female will typically resume her normal activities, and you can then provide appropriate care for the newborn Molly Fries.
7. Avoid Overcrowding
To ensure the comfort of hiding Molly fish, it’s essential to avoid overcrowding in the aquarium. Providing sufficient space for each Molly fish is crucial for their well-being and reduces stress-induced hiding behavior. Aim for a minimum of 10 gallons of water per Molly fish to allow them ample room to swim and explore their environment comfortably.
Overcrowding can lead to increased competition for resources, heightened aggression among tank mates, and poor water quality due to excessive waste buildup. By maintaining appropriate stocking levels, you create a healthier and more balanced ecosystem where your Molly fish can thrive without feeling overcrowded or stressed.
How To Know Molly Fish Is Hiding Because They Are Scare?
A molly fish hiding is a sign that there is something wrong with the water. They often go into hiding when they are not feeling well and usually stay in one place for hours while keeping their fins close to their bodies to make themselves appear smaller.
So, look for the following signs to know that Molly fish is afraid most:
- Hiding in the corner for a more extended period
- Fins close to their body
- Floating at the top of the tank
- Sudden color change
- Unusual behavior such as they stay on the bottom of the tank for a long time.
- Avoiding light
- Not eating
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Why Does Molly Fish Hide Under Plants And Rocks?
Mollies are shy and sneaky, but that doesn’t mean they’re always trying to sneak up on you.
Some common reasons why Mollies will often swim under plants or rocks include:
- To protect themselves from predators like larger fish
- To provide shelter for fry
- They’re resting and conserving energy to eat more or reproduce
What Is The Best Plant For Mollies To Hide?
There are a few different plants that Molly fish will use to hide. Mollies need live plants to hide and have a homely vibe in captivity.
Melon sword and Amazon Sword both provide excellent shade for mollies, but they also tend to be taller than other plants, which may cause them to stick out rather than blend in.
Other good options include Java Fern, Anubias Nana, and Java Moss. You can keep molly fish happy when you replicate their natural habitat.
Will Mollies Hide In Fake Plants?
Mollies will usually swim right on by a fake plant. There are a few reasons for this, but the main reason is that they can tell it’s not absolute from their sensory systems and organs of equilibrium.
As a result, it makes them feel more vulnerable to predators, resulting in them swimming away quickly rather than hiding under plants or rocks inside your tank.
What Is The Best Tank Decor For Mollies To Hide?
Mollies are versatile fish so they will use almost any type of tank decor for hiding, but some options work better than others.
A few good examples include driftwood, rocks with holes, and plastic plant sticks. However, you choose to set up your tank, ensure that you provide plenty of hiding places for mollies.
Conclusion
Summing up, it is necessary to say that mollies do not permanently hide when frightened. They can also be very active and playful in the evening hours, which means they are much more comfortable at night than during the day. One of the reasons might be to avoid the light, which would cause them discomfort and stress since they like living in dark waters. Another is that they might go into hiding when it’s not safe to swim around because of feeding times or other factors related to their environment.
Finally, Molly fish will sometimes lay on the rocks, which is their typical behavior when resting. These fish will go into hiding if there isn’t enough plant mass to provide adequate cover.
Good Luck!!!
Happy fishkeeping!!