To answer your first ?. Both parents should survive the breeding.

Mollies will breed like rabbits, But both the mother and father will eat thier young. The Father right away...the mother in time. I've seen her do it. Not all the time though....but just watch her.

If they do have babies...seperate them and go to the pet store and ask about baby food for them. They will tell you what you need. Or you can just break up the flakes really fine, but to really grow healthy....get the other food.

Size won't matter to much as long as they are old enough. But it usually works out the the male is always bigger.


Also get the salt like Rottieluver45 said, Mollies should have a little salt in their tank. Mollies are one of the few fish that can live in a salt tank, a fresh water tank or a brackish tank.

The salt will help in their growth and health. For a 10 gallon tank put in a about 1/2 teaspoon. Little more little less won't hurt them. But if you have other fish in the tank with them don't do it...tilll you find out if they can take salt. Buy Cichid salt, sold in smaller sizes, cheeper for you.