Is My Molly Pregnant Or Fat?

[tilly001]

Hi, I am just wondering if anyone can help me determine wether my molly is pregnant or just big/fat? I bought her 4 weeks ago from a pet shop, the man told me she was pregnant and had about two days to go. I bought her, brought her home and put her in her own tank (already established.) I have put plenty of plants in there an raised the temperature of the tank to 72 degrees. I have been waiting for a month now for her to have these babies but nothing at all seems to be happening. I've tried water changes and feeding her a varied diet. My molly is quite big, but over the past few days I am sure her belly is getting smaller. She also acts quite manic and is very hyperactive. Is it possible she is just overweight or could she be holding on to her babies? I would like to put her back into my main tank, however, if she is pregnant I don't want to risk losing the fry. I would love it if someone could help me out!!! Thanks!!

 

[minnnt]

Welcome to the forum Tilly!

First of all... when you say you raised the temperature to 72 degrees... what were they being kept at? Molly's are best off being kept at 75-78 degrees all the time, unless it's a temperate fish which i have never seen with a Molly. Is there any chance you could add a picture of her? The reason the shopkeeper probably told you she was pregnant is because most livebearers when sold are usually pregnant or storing sperm due to their nature of reproducing. Are you sure it isn't a balloon molly in which case it will look 'fat' all the time.

Also what percentage water changes are you doing each week? I would aim for at least 20% to keep your fish fit and healthy.

 

[tilly001]

Hi,

Thankyou for replying. I kept the temperature at 78 but changed it gradually to 82 degrees (not 72 degrees - my mistake) and I do a 20% water change every week. I will try and take a picture and post it for you to take a look at. Also, I think she is a sailfin molly. Thankyou for your help.

 

[OldMan47]

Please drop the temperature of your tank water back down. At 82F the water is simply too hot for a pet shop molly. After 4 weeks a new molly has either dropped her fry or was not actually carrying any when you got her. Mine seem to drop fry at about 6 week intervals, but the gestation period is only 4 weeks. It takes a little time for them to start a new batch after a drop, even if they are carrying sperm packets.