Breeding mollies

[Mawade1984]

So my balloon molly and lyre tail molly have been "breeding" for about two weeks now. Are they still breeding, or is he just harassing her now?

 

[Thyra]

He could be simply waiting to eat the fry. I still don't understand the mating rituals, but it may be a constant thing, unlike other animals who use scent. I just don't know.

 

[Mawade1984]

:-/ me either. I guess time will tell. Lol. I know they started about two weeks ago, she stays pregnant for roughy 4 weeks, so 2 more weeks to go!! Lol....

 

[FishDad]

I wonder if you'll get balloons or lyre tails or both?

 

[Mawade1984]

Idk I'm so excited to find out though! Balloon or lyre tail, or both, black or white, Dalmatian, paint? Lol who knows! I wish she would pop them out now! Haha

 

[OrangeCones]

Is the lyre tail your male or female?

 

[Mawade1984]

Male is white balloon molly and female is black lyretail molly with some gold "speckling" on her belly. I don't know how else to describe her.

 

[OrangeCones]

Lyretail males normally cannot reproduce due to the deformed fins, which is why I ask. I've not read anything about female lyretails having problems reproducing, however.

The balloon variety is also a deformity that caused a curved spine. I've heard of issues with bloating and constipation with balloon versions due to the deformity, so its possible it may cause problems with giving birth with females as well. If the female IS pregnant and for some reason cannot give birth, she should be ok. Normally the fish will reabsorb the developing fry if they can't be born.

 

[Mawade1984]

Very interesting! Never knew the balloons were a deformity... That's cool. I kind of wonder if the female is slightly ballooned, as fat as she is, but she doesn't have the curve...

 

[OrangeCones]

This link shows good photos to compare 'normal' and 'balloon' varieties:

Molly

 

[Mawade1984]

According to those photos she's just a chunky black molly! Lol. She's probably about 3" maybe??