Molly is typically the most costly fish since it grows considerably slower than other varieties and requires more attention.
Taking care of this fry is also a daunting task due to several risks. What is the average Molly fry survival rate?
If you intend to breed these fish, this article will show you the answer and recommend tips to improve the probability of survival of this species!
Let’s get started!
Molly Fry Survival Rate
The average survival rate of Molly fry is about 50 percent. These young fish can live and reach adulthood.
However, many factors affect this rate, and you can help these creatures have a better survival probability.
The tank condition is one of the most fundamental elements directly affecting the mortality rate of this species.
These babies are tiny, so most other freshwater fish can attack and eat them whole.
As a result, if you do not even protect your pets, you might indirectly kill them entirely within one week.
However, it isn’t an issue if you need to eliminate some. A female may spawn up to 100 newborns, and many aquarists cannot accommodate them.
Besides, it is not uncommon for fishkeepers to breed these fish to feed the young to the tank’s inhabitants.
Mollies eat anything. They eat both animals and plants. However, these aquatic creatures might take up to six months to grow.
If the infants are to live, around 50% of them will survive to adulthood. Many people take all measures to save these babies.
Tips For Helping Molly Fry Survive
How to decrease the mortality rate of Molly babies? Let’s apply the following methods!
Add Plants
Equip your tank with live plants. Live plants are preferable to artificial ones since they supply water with oxygen.
They additionally provide crucial hiding places for newborn mollies residing in community aquariums.
Here are some plants to add to your tank:
- Amazon Frogbit
- Red Root Floater
- Water Lettuce
Add plants
Install Proper Filtration Systems
A suitable filtering system is necessary to maintain the water’s purity.
Performing regular water changes is effective, but this way can’t eliminate the leftovers and waste in your tank.
Several aquarists are cautious about installing standard filters since they are powerful enough to pull the newborns in.
However, you may purchase accessories that make filtration less hazardous to infant mollies.
Filters serve the same purpose in a hospital tank and a community aquarium. They are home to nitrifying bacteria, which convert ammonia to innocuous nitrates.
As a result, it’s best to install filters in your hospital tank. These pieces of equipment are critical to the habitat of the fry.
Maintain Stable Temperature
Molly babies need a heater to survive. Although they prefer warm water, the temperature shouldn’t be over 80℉.
These newborns will consume more food and develop faster when kept at this temperature range.
Remember to keep the temperature stable. The ideal range for these creatures is between 75℉ and 80℉.
If the young experience regular temperature fluctuations, they can get stressed, which causes the survival rate to decrease.
For this reason, you need a heater in your tank to control the water temperature.
Change Water Regularly
You should perform water changes regularly to remove leftover food and waste in your aquarium because the fry can’t resist ammonia poisoning.
Changing about 20% of the tank water twice a week is best. Besides, maintain the following water parameters for Molly babies:
- Temperature: 75° to 80°F
- pH levels: 7.5 to 8.5
- GH: 12 to 25 (dGH) or 200 to 416 (ppm)
- KH: 10 to 25 (dKH) or 178 to 450 (ppm)
- Nitrite/Ammonia: 0 (ppm)
- Nitrate: under 30 (ppm)
Provide Molly Fry With The Right Food
Food also affects the survival rate of Molly newborns. They need nutritious meals supplied at regular intervals.
You can feed them pellets, flakes, worms, and baby brine shrimp. It’s best to grind these foods and provide them many times a day.
Separate Mother Molly In Time
Breeder tanks are fascinating, yet they can cause extreme stress, forcing the female to terminate her offspring.
It would be best if you moved the mother fish to another separate aquarium to help the fry survive better.
When you notice pregnancy symptoms in a female, like darkening gravid spots and her distended belly, transfer her to another place.
Additionally, you will see apparent evidence of nesting. Seize this time to transport the female to a location where she may carry a baby in peace.
FAQs
Will My Baby Mollies Survive?
The answer is yes! Adult fish may eat or abandon their fry, but you can separate them by moving them to another place and feeding newborns the right food.
What Percentage Of Fish Fry Survives?
The average survival rate of fish is around 50 percent, but this estimate depends on various factors such as water conditions, tank setup, or food.
Can Molly Fry Live Without an Air Pump?
The fry will need the proper oxygen levels to be alive, so installing an air pump in their tank is essential.
In other words, these creatures can’t live without an air pump. This equipment is necessary to break the water surface to improve gas exchange.
How Many Flies Will Molly Have?
Molly females often carry their offspring for around 60 days. They may produce from 40 to 100 babies.
Young mothers or those pregnant for the first time often have fewer offspring.
How Quickly Do Molly Babies Grow?
Molly fry may require 1 – 2 months to reach the size needed for introduction into a community aquarium.
You must ensure these babies are larger than the adult fish’s mouth and they can handle well in a bigger tank.
Wrapping Up
Only about half of all fish born can survive if aquarium conditions are ideal. However, you can improve Molly fry survival rate with our practical tips!
Ensure your tank conditions and water parameters are appropriate and that you feed the newborns the right food.
Hopefully, this article will be helpful for you! Thanks for reading, and see you in the next post!
