Breeding the amazon molly
Sperm-dependent all-female livebearer (gynogenesis): females must mate with a male of a related molly, such as P. latipinna or P. mexicana (in the lab often a black molly), but his sperm only triggers development and his genes are not passed on. Daughters are clones of their mother.
Step by step
Keep a group with a male molly of another species (sailfin or Atlantic molly).
Well-planted 60 L+ tank; the male only triggers development, his genes are not passed on.
A heated, hard-water tank with a male molly present.
Usually 60-100 young per brood, every 30-40 days; all are clones of the mother. Maturity at 1-6 months.
Newly hatched brine shrimp and powdered flake; they are born swimming.
- Not providing any male molly
- Keeping in soft water
- Overcrowding
Male or female
All individuals are female; there are no males to sex.
Can I breed it in my tank?
- Good for a first breeding project.
Day-by-day plan
Typical for livebearers
- 28 days beforePregnancy
A dark 'gravid spot' grows behind the belly. Gestation is usually about 4 weeks.
- Day 0Birth
Fry are born ready to swim. Thick plants or a breeding box keep them safe from adults.
- Day 0First food
Feed crushed flake, baby brine shrimp or microworms 3–5 times a day.
- Day 28Sexing starts
Males start to show color and a pointed anal fin. Separate them if you want to control lines.
- Day 90Adults
Most livebearers are grown and can breed at about 3 months.
A general guide for this breeding type. Days change with temperature and species.
Simulator: guided
A dark 'gravid spot' grows behind the belly. Gestation is usually about 4 weeks.
Simulator: try it yourself
Set up a virtual breeding tank and see what would likely happen.
- The female gave birth.
- With no plants or breeding box, the adults ate most of the fry.
An educational estimate from the breeding rules, not a promise.