Giving live birth?

Question
Hi Mr Robbins, my name is Cyrus and I have bought an aquarium, it's 115 liters and I have about 26 fishes in it. I've had it for about 1.5-2 months now and it's all working out just fine.
Now, my question is as follows: I think on of my Black Mollys are pregnant, she's all round and the other fishes are now stressing her and chasing her around and they haven't chased her before. Is she at the end and going to give birth soon or how do I know that? Thanks. Regards Cyrus

Answer
Hi Cyrus;

It is very possible she is ready to have babies. The other fish can often sense this and will eat the new babies as they are born. They can stress her to death too if she can't get some rest away from them. You might have to separate her to another aquarium or get one of those birthing nets or containers that hang in the tank. Release the mother back to the tank a few hours after the babies are born or she may eat them too. It keeps them safe from other fish until they get big enough to be released. Get some live plants like elodea (also called anacharis) for the babies to hide in and eat off of. Also crumble up tiny bits of regular fish food several times a day for them to eat.

Followups welcome

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Chris Robbins

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