hi people how can u tell when the female is holding as im new to them

Yep, the area under the mouth is saggy when they are holding.

Frenchy

sweet thats wot i was hoping mine is holding then sweet

next question how long will she hold for

Normally 3 weeks or more, but if you want to strip the fry after 3 weeks is OK but some does it earlier than 3 weeks, I normally separate the female and let her spew the fry by herself then I put her back to the colony.