Is My Mollie Getting Ready For Birth?

[toastyalbus]

I don't know for sure if it's even a girl! But lately it's been hiding behind the tank heater, and tonight it is doing NOTHING. Just lying on the bottom of the tank, breathing. It was hanging out at the top for a time, I poked it and nothing happened. Gave it a flake of food and it went for it. She kind of has a black mark, and isn't swimming poorly when she attempts to swim.

What is the usual prebirth behavior on a mollie part?

What about on my part?

BTW- I looked for the fin ... one of my two mollies is definately a boy. The mollie in question does not have a fin that I can see on the bottom that looks like a shell.

 

[Annastasia]

Staying away from other fish and just hanging does sound like she's getting ready. However, they lying on the bottom of the tank (is she gasping) doesn't sound quite right. What size tank do you have, what other fish, and what are your water params? Is the black mark near where her body meets her tail? If so, that's her gravid spot. As it gets larger and darker, it means she's more and more pregnant.

If she has a shell-shaped fin, she's a girl. I'd look into getting at least one more girl, otherwise all the male's attention will all be on this girl which can greatly stress her out. Depending on your tank size, you should probably get one. Depending on what kind of Molly you have, they can get from 3"-6" so you need to prepare for that. I'm guessing your's are just the normal Mollies, in which case can get to 4".

 

[Somethings Fishy Here]

I have heard of some mollies and swords that will hide or rest on the bottom while in labor, but if you dont see babies relatively soon it may well be an illness as thats usually a sign that theyre actually going into labor which means babies would be on the way quick.

 

[love_fish]

One of my platys was hanging on the bottom when she was about to give birth. Although, she really couldnt swim right either, so that might have been it.

Just keep a very close eye on her. Make the environment as stress free as possible. I hear that doing a 15% water change is a good idea (daily). That's just what I heard, I cant really confirm it, but it doesnt sound like a bad idea.