AboutNathan Expertise I can answer all questions related to freshwater aquariums. If I am not available because I am maxed out, you can find me on the Aquarium Plants category. Fish care, fish behavior, feeding, breeding, and diseases are my specialty. To be specific, I am most familiar (though I am familiar with most species) with Livebearers, Tetras, Barbs, Danios, Loaches, Goldfish, Angelfish (freshwater), Catfish (corydoras, plecos, etc.), Bettas, shrimp, and even snails. I can help out with new tank setups, the cycling process (nitrogen cycle), acclimation of fish, and general care. I can also answer questions regarding many species of freshwater plants, including fish compatibility with plants. Additionally, I can lend a hand when it comes to aquarium support equipment questions, such as those regarding filters, heaters, lighting, and thermometers. Questions about aquarium water conditioners and products are also accepted. I will try to answer your question to the best of my abilities, and if I do not know an answer, I will do my best to find out.
I do not have much experience in saltwater aquariums, or pressurized CO2 systems, so I cannot answer any such questions. Best wishes, and good luck to your fish!
Experience I have kept freshwater fish tanks for many years, and I am experienced with a variety of different freshwater species and invertebrates, such as Tetras, Barbs, Loaches, Danios, Livebearers, Cichlids, Goldfish, Bettas, Catfish, Shrimp, and Snails. I have helped people set up aquariums, and I am very familiar with aquarium products and equipment. I have also bred many fish, and I always care for my fish in the best way possible.
What makes a good home for tropical fish? Well, all tropical fish, like guppies and Bettas, require filters, heaters, and a good-sized tank. Healthy fish should be actively swimming and feeding, with defined fins and clear eyes. Take a random check of some of your fish daily, to make sure they're thriving!
Education/Credentials I own an extensive collection of aquarium-related books and magazines, and have read all about, and I am experienced in, many aspects of humane and proper fishkeeping. Through these books and other articles, from reliable internet sources, and from personal experience with fish, I have a thorough knowledge of freshwater aquariums, fish, and freshwater plant species.
Question please help me how to identify whether the black molly is a male or female one.
Answer Hi there,
It's very easy to determine the gender of Black Mollies. You can use the same method to determine the sex of ANY Livebearer. Livebearers include Guppies, Platies, Swordtails, and Mollies.
Males:
Mature males will have a pointed anal fin*. The anal fin is the second fin from the back, on the bottom. The anal fin is near the vent where the fish's waste comes out. This pointed anal fin is called the 'gonopodium'. It's actually a reproduction organ, and the purpose of this modified fin is to inject sperm into the female. You will find that it can move in almost any direction. Males also have a slimmer body, and are smaller than females of the same age.
Females:
Females will NOT have a pointed anal fin, but rather, one that is fan-shaped. Females of the same age are larger than males. If you have both female(s) and male(s), you will find that the belly of the female is much larger than that of the male. Mollies reproduce easily, and are almost always in some stage of pregnancy.
*The anal fin is the fin closest to the caudal fin (tail fin). It is on the bottom of the fish. Do not confuse it the others!
Remember, for all livebearers, like Mollies, there should be at least 2-3 females for every male. Males can become somewhat aggressive, and so having more females will reduce stress, and the male won't pick on just one. Remember, a male can fertilize multiple females!
