black mollies babies

Question
I just noticed that my daughter's black Mollies have just had 2 babies. Everyone keeps giving me different responses as to whether or not I need to separate the babies from the larger fish. The tank only has 2 black Mollies and one small plecostomus and the babies seem to be doing fine. So, my question is, will the Mollies eat the babies?
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Emily,
 They might eat the babies.  After birth, a female molly does not care for her kids, i.e., she sees them as just another small fish. If she is hungry and they are small, she might eat them.  If she is not hungry or they are too large or fast to eat, she will leave them alone.  Having places for the babies to hide as they grow (lots of plants in particular) increase the odds that the babies will survive through the vulnerable period.

-- Ron C.
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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