Fat Molly

[Zxsong]

I've had this little one for about a month now and she's been fat for a long time. I'm not sure if it's poo or if she's a "balloon" Molly. If she is pregnant can someone please guesstimate how far along she is? I'd like place her into the breeding box than leave her in the tank to give birth, but I feel like she would get stressed being in there too long.

 

[Instinct]

Definitely looks like the later stage of pregnancy to me.

Keep an eye on the base of her stomach, towards her anal fin. When she is close to delivering there will be a dark black or reddish spot there.

 

[Zxsong]

Thank you so much you just saved some baby fish lives! Can I ask how you would be able to tell on a black molly?

 

[Instinct]

Black mollies are tricky as you won't be able to see her gravid spot. Although, her vent area (and possibly her belly) might experience some white discoloration

The best way to tell on black mollies is to wait until the female gets a box-like shape. Then, they will usually hang around behind the filter or by the heater.