The mystery molly birth .. why do I see 6 fry?

Hi Guys,

I have had a tank with 3 tetras, 2 octos, 1 male molly and 3 female mollies for two years. There have never been fry in the tank since I have had it. Two of the female mollies have been in the tank for over a year and one was added about 4 months ago. I had concluded my male was unable to be a dad for some reason and that is why we never had fry. So assuming I was right, I made sure to never get another male molly (the tank and male molly were a present for my 3 year old two years ago).

Yesterday I see 6 fry swimming around. Various sizes. They do not have any real color yet so I assume they are young. I feed the fish daily and often sit and contemplate the world while watching them swim so I would be surprised if I missed fry before. I am a bit shocked to see them. Maybe the male was just biding his time or the females were too young before. I guess I will be doing my reading on this one. I have some plastic plants in there that are "newer" so maybe that is the reason and its just that the others were unable to survive before?.

The tank is 37 gallons so its currently not overcrowded and even if all 6 babies made it, I think it would not be overcrowded. However, my guess is the babies are a mix of male and female -- and thus more babies would be showing up. I supposed I could get a second tank and separate carefully.

1. I am curious why just now I am seeing fry. Thoughts?
2. I see the fry nibble on the regular flakes. Is this ok?

I posted a picture of the molly who looks the "biggest" but she and the only male molly have been in this tank for over a year together. You can see the size of the fry in comparison.

Thanks,

Lynn

sumthinfishy -- I think the same spawn, but not identical in size as in some were healthier than others. I have never had fry so they could be newborn or 10 days old (but I would think I would have seen them before yesterday).

I have several fake plants as well as two rock/cave structures. Yeah, I thought they looked older but then I have never had fry before. Maybe they have been hiding and these are the survivors... I will need to find homes for them if they do make it - i will have to call the LFS and find out the best way to give them away. They are definitely eating the fish flakes and they swim among the older mollies. I have not seen the older fish try to chase them yet.

You know...I had a ceramic treasure chest in the tank. It had been flipped upside down at some point and two nights ago I flipped it right side up. Could have been a hiding spot though I do have plenty of places for them to hide ...I wonder if there are other fry in the tank. Yikes!