My Mollies are Pecking?

Question
QUESTION: Hey Nathan, its James again... I have a quick question about some black mollies I bought from Petsmart a few weeks ago. I've noticed that they've been 'pecking' at my plants, and even the tank glass? It seems like they're eating air! (well, water). Is this normal behavior, or are they hungry?

Thanks, and I hope to hear from you soon!

ANSWER: Hi James,

You'll be quite happy to hear that your Molly is quite normal. Mollies, like other common Livebearers, especially Platys and Swordtails, will move their mouth as if it was separating from their mouth to 'peck' at objects. They are likely eating micro-organisms or micro-algae from the plants and walls - it is nothing you should be concerned about.

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!

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

QUESTION: Thanks for they reply!
Just one more thing: If the Mollies are pecking at the micro organisms or algae, does that mean that they are so starved that they need the algae? Should I feed them more? I feed the 5 Mollies a few pinches once a day.
Thanks!

Answer
Hey James,

Your feeding could be stepped up to twice a day. Feed as much as the Mollies can consume in about 2 minutes, with no food left over, twice a day. You should also vary their diet with algae wafers, as Mollies are omnivorous (eat both animal and plant matter), and they love vegetable matter. You can feed an algae wafer every other day, instead of one serving of your normal food.

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!