Urgent! Did My Molly Just Give Birth?

[sumthingsfishy]

we bought two mollies about 5 days ago one male and one female. all of a sudden yesterday i get home from work and she's just chillin at the bottom of the tank a little while later she swam up and keep swimming normally for the rest of the night... this mirning when i left she was swimming, then i get home and she's at the bottom of the tank again. she finally started swimming and i see this clear white stringy thing floating in the water, we suspected she was pregnant so we bought the breeding net. but i think we put her in there to late. did she give birth? and if so how do i know when she's done?[/font]

 

[SnBMeg]

I can't really say for certain, but it doesn't sound like it.

The resting on the bottom could simply be that she's resting--fish do sleep, and not always floating in the water; often they may prop themselves on plants or decorations, or simply rest on the bottom. It could also, on the other hand, be a sign that she's not well.

The "clear white stringy thing" suggests the latter. This sounds more like an unhealthy poop than anything else. If it is poop, then it is indicative of an internal bacterial infection. Cleaning the tank more frequently and thoroughly, doing more water changes, and not overfeeding can fix this. And, if necessary, antibacterial medication may be used.

If she was pregnant, it is possible that she miscarried from the stress of being rehomed. If she gave birth you should have fry (if they didn't get eaten), and her belly should not be swollen anymore (did she look bloated before?)