dalmation molly being bullied.

Question
QUESTION: hello. my dalmation molly has just had babies, i have just taken her out of the floating breeding trap and put her back in the main tank but all the other fish(also mollies) are attacking her. please can tou tell me why this is happening. thank you vickie

ANSWER: Hi Vickie,
 If the other mollies are males, they are trying to breed with her to get her pregnant again.

-- Ron C.
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for replying to my question. Is there anything we can do because with the way they are going at her i'm scared they may kill her. Tanks Vickie

ANSWER: Hi Vickie,
  It might be  a good idea to separate her for a couple of weeks.

-- Ron C.
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you again, we only have the one tank so what would be the best way to seperate her from the others? thanks vickie

Answer
Hi Vickie,
 You can put her in one of those plastic "breeding trap" devices.  Another alternative that is more permanent is to add more structure to the tank (wood, plants, rock, etc). Structure breaks up the space and provides hiding places and cover for individuals so they are out of sight of other individuals.  This can substantially reduce the ability of other fishes to bully a weaker fish.

-- Ron C.
   rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
   Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>