Prgnant Balloon Mollie

[Mitzy]

My molly is hanging out in the corner by hetself. Every few minutes the male will go behind her and chase her around like a dog sniffing her from behind. Does anyone know if this is the way she is coached into releasing babies?

 

[Mitzy]

My balloon mollie is hanging out in the corner by herself and every few minutes the male will chase her around like he is sniffing from behind her like a dog will do. Is this a sign of the male coaching her to release her fry?

 

[sheffieldlad]

My balloon mollie is hanging out in the corner by herself and every few minutes the male will chase her around like he is sniffing from behind her like a dog will do. Is this a sign of the male coaching her to release her fry?

I think he probably just wants to be the first one 'in there' once she's given birth.

 

[Cazgar]

The male's waiting for her to drop so he can be the first to mate with her.
He may also eat some fry

 

[OldMan47]

The "sniffing" is the way that a fish can identify its own species. A freshwater fish urinates constantly to help it maintain its balance with the fresh water. Experiments have shown that one of the ways that fish use to differentiate between similar looking females is that apparent sniffing action. It helps fish breed properly when females of closely related species are both found in a male's environment.