Mollies are livingbearers. They give birth to healthy, non-swimming fry that are ready to explore and forage. There are no eggs! It’s not wrong to compare mollies and rabbits. How long is molly fish able to become pregnant? How long does labor take?

These questions and many others will be answered in this blog.

Get in!

How Long Are Molly Fish Pregnant For?

The average time that Molly fish become pregnant is between 40 and 70 days. 60 is the most common. Their pregnancy time is twice that of a guppy, who remains pregnant for only 21-35 days.

The gestation time of a molly is dependent on variables such as the fish’s size, age, and experience. Mature and large fish usually give birth to more fry than young and inexperienced females.

The gestation period is also affected by factors like water parameters, diet, stress levels, and other lifestyle factors.

As you can see, we won’t know when your pregnant molly will ‘pop’. However, I am confident that the answer lies somewhere between 40 and 70 days.

There will be some exceptions to this rule.

Some owners shared their stories on forums that their prodigies gave life within 20-30 days. Others, however, reported that their fish didn’t show any signs of labor for months.

Let’s now look at other equally intriguing and informative questions.

Molly Fish Pregnancy Stages

There are five parts to the mollyfish pregnancy stages:

• Conception
• Formation and development of embryo
• Fry’s development
• Pre-birthing stage
• Birth

Conception

If there are mollies of both genders in your tank, you can be sure that the fry will soon follow suit. There isn’t much you can do to get them to mate. During one mating season, the male will pair up multiple females with him. He will coax the female to consent by courting and coaxing her.

The male will then use a gonopodium to deposit milt, which is a fluid containing sperm, into her opening.

Gonopodium is an unusual anal fin that’s shaped more like a rod than a normal one.

Formation of Embryo

All fertilized eggs will become embryos. The yolk-like yellow color will be retained by the ones that were not fertilized.

You can observe the development of embryos inside your molly if you have keen eyes. Look at the gravid spot.

This behavior is usually observed after 7-10 days of fertilization.

Fry’s Development

The mother’s body will begin to swell and become distended as the young fry grow in the molly fish.

Every embryo has all the nutrients that their mother gave them. During their development, they eat it.

Pre-birthing Stage

This stage is when the matriarch prepares her body and mind to give birth. Through the gravid spots, you can see the eyes of the fry.

Once fully developed, the fry will be in a semicircular place and ready to go.

Birth

The birthing process can take from one hour to a full 24 hours once labor starts. This is yet another wide range of answers, I know. But it all depends on many factors such as age, health, and the environment.

Each fry is delivered one at a.m. Usually, the tail is first. The fry drop a few inches into the water upon birth.

They are born ready to swim and will soon straighten themselves.

The fry will seek shelter in the rocks and sand if there is no cover. As they gain strength, they will sometimes lie motionless for a while.

Mollies have been known to eat their own offspring.

You can then place the pregnant molly in a separate tank, or a box for breeding. Once she has given birth to all her fry, you can quickly transfer her back to the main tank.

The fry would thrive in a 10-gallon tank that has a bare bottom and sponge filter.

However, it may not be possible to manage a separate tank all the time.

Fluval offers a great breeding box! It works great for my mbuna-cichlid tank.

Molly fry can consume pulverized flake foods, baby brine shrimps, and daphnia within a few hours of their birth.

Five Signs Of A Pregnant Molly Fish

Mollies’ most obvious sign of pregnancy is their distended, rounded and swelling belly. They may also be more reserved and intolerant. They will be more aloof and intolerant. Another sign that you are pregnant is the appearance of the gravid spots.

Swollen And Distended Belly

No-brainer here! A swollen, distended appearance is the most obvious sign that a pregnant mollyfish is in trouble. She will appear more chubby, especially around her belly.

This is because the mother’s body will expand to accommodate the fry.

Even though the eggs and fry are tiny, the large number of them will make the female’s body more round.

Change In Behavior

Mollies are generally friendly and peaceful for the most parts. However, a female mole will become anxious and possessive when she is pregnant.

She won’t attack anyone but she will let anyone who bothers her know her discontent.

She will keep her distance more often and hide from others.

You should therefore house as many plants as you can.

You can notice a change in behavior as soon as 7 days after conception.

Because their bodies require more energy to deal with all the changes happening inside, pregnant mollies tend to eat more than normal.

Change In Appetite

In some cases, however, the expectant molly may stop eating. She may lose appetite. This is not normal. This could be because the fish is under stress.

Prominent Gravid Spot

You can tell if your molly’s pregnant or getting fat by checking the gravid spot, a triangular dark mark that is positioned towards your anal cavity.

The gravid spot gets darker and bigger as the pregnancy progresses. Close inspection can reveal the fry’s eyes through some of the lighter parts of the spot.

It’s difficult to see the gravid spot in black mollies.

Chasing Heat

Pregnant mollies must maintain a constant temperature during the entire gestation period. You will find them often hovering close to the aquarium’s temperature stabilizer or heating system.

An overhead UV light will allow you to see the mollies hovering near the surface of your tank.

How To Know Molly Fish Is About To Give Birth?

It is important to know when your molly fish will give birth in order to transfer her to another tank. The gravid spot will usually become more prominent and there will be a bulge under the gills. Fish will hide and eventually stop eating. You can see the eyes of the fry inside the mother if you have sharp eyes!

The Gravid Spot Becomes Prominent

When your mollyfish is about to give birth, the gravid spot becomes very prominent and dark. It is easy to see. It may be more difficult to see in darker mollies.

Molly Grows A Bulge Below The Gills

A few days prior to delivery, your molly will have a bulge under the gills. This will create a square area around the region.

This means that the ‘womb has reached its full capacity. To relieve any strain, the fish will want to give birth as soon possible.

Hiding Behavior Increases

A heavily pregnant moll will seek out a peaceful and quiet place to give birth. She will seek refuge beneath plants, in caves, or behind rocks.

Any strategically placed area of hiding in the tank would be a huge benefit to them.

You Can See The Fry’s Eyes

The embryos are in the final stages and you can see their eyes through the gravid spots. The mother will soon give birth once the eyes are visible.

Molly Stops Eating

Mollies are often hungry during pregnancy. The fish will stop eating if labor is imminent. Even if you offer food, she will not swim to the surface.

Frequently Asked Question

How Often Do Mollies Have Babies?

Mollies can have babies every 30-45 days . They can also have babies all year long once they are sexually mature.

Can Molly Fish Get Pregnant Without A Male?

After mating, mollies have been known to keep sperm in their bodies for many months. The sperm can be used to fertilize eggs or produce babies.

In a sense, it is possible for mollies to get pregnant even if there is no male.

A few hobbyists reported that their mollies gave way six months after mating.

We cannot rule out the possibility of pregnancy in an all-female tank. Your molly may have sperm already stored in her body.

How Many Babies Do Mollies Have?

A molly fish can have 40 to 100 babies in a single window. The number of babies can reach 120, according to some reports.

Again, factors such as the age of the fish, their health, and the environmental conditions are important in determining the number of fry.

570 is the record for most babies delivered by a molly in a single year. It was achieved through multiple births.

How Big Are Molly Fry?

Molly fry generally measure around 1/4″. They will have fully formed fins by the time they are born. They will look a lot like miniature mollies.

Do Mollies Eat Their Babies?

Yes, mollies will eat their babies. Unfortunately, we don’t know the exact reason.

Researches have shown that filial Cannibalism is an over-reacting response to stress. This enhances the fish’s self preservation instinct.

Another explanation is that the mollies do this to weed out weaklings.

When Do Molly Fish Sexually Mature?

At 4-5 months old, mollies become sexually mature. If you don’t want to have tiny molly eggs, you can separate the males and females.

Molly, Where’s the Gravid Spot?

In livebearers such as mollies, the gravid spot is located right behind their anal fin. It is a dark spot in the womb which becomes darker with each pregnancy.

Livebearers use the gravid spot as their most common indicator of pregnancy.

What’s Pregnant Molly Fish Behavior Typically Like?

A pregnant mollyfish will be more distant, irritable and aggressive. She will become intolerant of any interference or intrusions into her space.

Initially, her appetite will increase. Eventually, however, her appetite will decrease.

Final Words: How Long Are Molly Fish Pregnant For?

Molly fish can become pregnant between 40 and 70 days. Their gestation period is determined by the fish’s health, age, size, and level of experience.

Mollies are livingbearers. They give birth to about 1/4 inch long free-swimming eggs. They can have between 40 and 100 babies in one season!

Mothers eat their babies so it is best to raise fry in separate tanks or breeding boxes.