Question on Sailfin Molly

[Geez Louise]

Hello,

Yesterday I purchased 3 beautiful Sailfin Mollys (all males as I discovered when I got them home) and they have settled into the tank fairly well however, they are constantly chasing, rubbing just under her stomach and generally harassing this female molly.

I am not sure if they are trying to breed with her or whether the 3 sailfin males are just bullies! I have 4 other female balloon mollys in the tank and I did see one of the new sailfins mate with a balloon molly. I did not think that they would be wanting to breed so soon? I just put them in the tank!

Should I take the harrassed female molly out of the tank? I am concerned she will get over stressed. If one of them eventually does breed with her, will they all leave her alone??

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers
Colleen

[Cococrunch]

Yes as they are live bearers they breed when there are Females Available
Right now i suggest you add more Female Mollies so the Females won't get stressed , i suggest 1 1:2 Male to female Ratio.

-Coco

[Geez Louise]

Should I purchase a Female Sailfin or just put more female molly's in? and will they stop harassing her once she has been breed with? All 3 sailfins are chasing just her.

Would it be better to take her out of the tank until I purchase more tomorrow?

Sorry for all the questions but I am concerned she will get stressed.

[Cococrunch]

Get some More females or Purchase some more either Way it's the same; after she's bred/Released Fry They will still breed with her they're like rats just put more hiding places to reduce the stress because if you separate her the other 3 mollies will still get harrased.

-Coco

[Geez Louise]

Thanks Coco. Appreciate the advice. Will get some more first thing in the morning.

[Cococrunch]

Thanks Coco. Appreciate the advice. Will get some more first thing in the morning.
No problem :) i have had experience with them as my Bro has Balloon Mollies; Right now we have at least 30-50 fry in a 20L and they're growing remarkably Fast i hope you have some fry too!

-Coco

[fish00053]

I would have 1 male molley to3-4 female molley's. Doesn't make a different whether their ballon or not. Molley's are molleys. Males will chase after the female constantly till she has fry. Unfortunately unless you put the female into a small container when she is do they will continue to harrass her.

Also all live bearers will eat their frye. Additionally even though the female has her fry and you turn her loose the male molleys will continue to harass the female. Often times killing her and eating her belley out.

Nature at it's best.

[rich311k]

If they are real sailfin mollies, ie 5-6 in fish. One male and multiple females in a tank would be best. Big wild type sail-fin males will squabble.

[Geez Louise]

These are the first Sailfin's I have owned. They are beautiful fish. I will definitely put more females into the tank.

Gee this forum is fantastic! You guys are so helpful. Thanks :1luvu: