Is My Dalmation Molly Female And Pregnant ?

[nmacog]

Hi All,
 
We are new to keeping fish. Had our 1st tank 3 weeks with only one fish at present, been in there 2 weeks, a Dalmation Balloon Molly. 
 
When we were sold it, we were told it was male. However we are suspecting it is female and pregnant ! Could someone please shed some light on this ? We're new to keeping fish and rather confused at the moment. Photo attached
 
We have not been overfeeding it (afaik)
 
Many thanks in advance
 

 

[the_lock_man]

It is definitely female. It's really difficult to tell if it's pregnant because it's a balloon molly. However, if she shared a tank with males at the LFS, the chances are she is pregnant.

 

[nmacog]

Hi - many thanks for your reply - out of interest, how can you tell it's female ?

 

[the_lock_man]

From the shape of the anal fin.
 
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/330763-livebearer-gender-determination/

 

[fluttermoth]

Hi, nmacog,
 
If you look at the anal fin (that's the one on end of the fish's tummy, just before the tail) your fish has normal, fan shaped fin, which means it's a female.
 
Male livebearers have that fin modified into a rod like structure called a 'gonopodium', which they use like a penis

 

[nmacog]

thanks guys - really appreciate it !

 

[fluttermoth]

No problem; it's what we're here for

 

[Chad]

Here's a good thread to check on this http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/417438-how-to-tell-if-your-guppymollyplaty-or-swordtail-is-pregnant/ the pregnant part.

 

[nmacog]

thanks tcamos am looking now ...

 

[the_lock_man]

Just be careful because yoyrs is s balloon molly. They have been selectively bred to have that round shape that looks like a heavily pregnant normal molly.

 

[Chad]

True, but I've found with baloons it's much easier to identify when they are squared off because of that fat fat belly.

 

[michaelbaay]

i got a female molly that has given birth ...... but her belly is still round from now after her birth.... is she a balloon molly???

 

[the_lock_man]

Not necessarily, they can still be quite round after a fry-drop. Post a photo and we can be sure.

 

[michaelbaay]

ok ill try my best to post the photo..... including the black molly im been asking to my topoic...