It’s always disheartening to see your molly fish population decrease due to predation, particularly from your other aquarium inhabitants.
The fragility of molly fry makes it necessary to understand the predatory behaviors in your fish community.
Perhaps you’ve been asking, ‘What fish will eat molly fry?’ or ‘Do molly fish eat their fry?’
This article explores both these questions and takes a broader look.
Predatory Nature in Aquariums: Who’s Eating Your Molly Fry?
Certain fish species have a natural propensity for feasting on fry, often viewing them as ‘easy snacks.
Betta fish, for example, are part of these guilty culprits.
Yes, that’s right, Betta fish will devour molly fry. Their predatory nature and territorial instincts make them a threat to the younger, smaller, and weaker species in your tank.
Not to mention, their sizes also play pivotal roles in this predatory behavior.
However, Bettas are not the only type of fish known to prey on molly fry.
Cichlids, Barbs, and Catfish can also be listed among the predators associated with the mollies’ smaller counterparts.
These fish hunt by sight and are often opportunistic, making your molly fry an irresistible target.
Contemplating Your Aquarium’s Circle of Life: Do Molly Fish Eat Their Fry?
It might come as a shock, but molly fish themselves sometimes devour their offspring.
‘Yes’ is the answer to the question, ‘Do molly fish eat their fry?’ Although it seems unnatural, this form of cannibalism is not unheard of in the aquatic world.
Triggered by stress, insufficient coverage for fry, or inadequate food supply, adult molly fish can prey on their fry.
They lack maternal instincts, and when they see free-swimming creatures fit into their mouths—which the young molly fry do—they are likely to eat them.
Fry Predators in Action: Are Molly Fish Fry Destined to be Eaten?
While it’s accurate to say that molly fry may be in danger in a community aquarium, they are not necessarily destined to become a meal.
With wise and monitored aquarium management, you can significantly improve the survival rate of your molly fry.
Providing sufficient coverage, like live plants, moss balls, and other aquatic foliage, form an excellent refuge for these fry.
It’s also a good idea to separate the molly fry from their predatory tank mates until they mature.
Dedicated breeder boxes or nets are brilliant solutions for this purpose.
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