Molly is a common name for several different species of fish. The most popular species of Molly fish kept as pets are the sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna), the short-finned molly (P. mexicana), and the dalmatian molly (P. dalmatina). All three of these Molly fish species are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
Molly fish are peaceful by nature and can be kept with other peaceful fish species in a community aquarium. Molly fish are not territorial and will not fight with other fish, even of their own species.
Molly fish are relatively easy to care for and can be a great addition to any aquarium. They are not picky eaters and will do well on a variety of different foods. It is important to provide plenty of hiding places in the aquarium for Molly fish, as they can be shy.
Molly fish are beautiful fish that come in a variety of colors. The most common colors of Molly fish are black, silver, and gold. Molly fish can also be found in shades of blue, green, and pink.
Species Summary
| Scientific name: | Poecilia sphenops |
| Common names: | Molly fish, molly, common molly, short-finned molly |
| Distribution: | Central America and southern United States |
| Size: | 3.5–4.5 inches |
| Life expectancy: | 3–5 years |
| Color: | Black, silver, white, red, gold, orange, purple, blue |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Minimum tank size: | 20 gallons |
| Temperature: | 72–78 °F (22–25.5 °C) |
| pH: | 7.5–8.5 |
| Hardness: | 15–30 dGH |
| Care level: | Easy |
| Breeding: | Livebearer |
Where do They Come From?
Molly fish are a type of freshwater fish that is native to parts of Central and South America.
Molly fish are descendants of the sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna). Sailfin mollies are hardy species of fish that can live in both fresh and brackish water. They are native to parts of Central and South America, including Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. Sailfin mollies were introduced to the United States in the early 1900s and quickly became popular in the aquarium trade.
How Long do Molly Fish Live for?
Molly fish are a type of freshwater fish that are popular in aquariums. They are easy to care for and are known for their peaceful nature. Molly fish can live for up to 5 years, but the average life span of mollies is 2-3 years.
How Big do Molly Fish Grow?
Molly fish are one of the most popular aquarium fish. They are small fish, reaching an adult size of only 3,5-4,5 inches. However, they can grow quite large in an aquarium setting, with some reaching 6 inches in length.
The Different Types of Molly Fish: Appearance
Molly fish have a rounded body shape and a long, flowing tail.
Molly fish come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. They can be solid colors, stripes, or even a mix of both.
Colors
The most common colors are black, white, and brown. However, they can also be found in shades of pink, blue, and orange.
- Black
- Dalmatian
- Common
- Balloon Belly
- Gold Dust
- Marble
- Black Sailfin
How Much do Molly Fish Cost?
| Atlantic: | $3–$10 |
| Balloon Belly: | $6–$8 |
| Black: | $4–$7 |
| Black Lyretail: | $5–$12 |
| Black Sailfin: | $5–$12 |
| Common: | $4–$10 |
| Creamsicle: | $4–$8 |
| Dalmatian: | $5–$10 |
| Gold Dust: | $5–$7 |
| Liberty: | $8–$10 |
| Marble: | $4–$8 |
| Platinum Lyretail: | $5–$10 |
| White Sailfin: | $5–$10 |
| Wild type: | $3–$8 |
| Yucatan: | $5–$12 |
The Most Important Step: The Nitrogen Cycle
The nitrogen cycle is an important process that all fish need in order to stay healthy. This cycle helps to remove waste and toxins from the water. It is important to understand how this cycle works in order to keep your molly fish healthy.
The nitrogen cycle starts with ammonia. Ammonia is produced when fish waste breaks down. This ammonia is toxic to fish and must be removed from the water.
Nitrites are the next stage in the cycle. Nitrites are produced when bacteria in the water break down the ammonia. Nitrites are also toxic to fish, but not as toxic as ammonia.
Finally, nitrates are produced. Nitrates are not as toxic to fish and can actually be used by plants to help them grow.
Read also: How To Cycle a Fish Tank Fast: Step-By-Step Diy Guide
Mollies Care & Tank Requirements
Below you can read in detail tips for the care of molly fish. Also, take a look at the video:
The Best Aquarium Size for Mollies
Molly fish do best in aquariums that are at least 20 gallons in size. Larger aquariums are better, as they provide more space for the fish to swim and explore. They also allow for more filtration, which is important for keeping the water quality high.
Molly fish are social creatures and do best when kept in groups. A group of 5 or more molly fish is ideal. When choosing an aquarium for molly fish, be sure to select one with plenty of space and good filtration.
What Water is Best for Molly Fish?
Molly fish are a type of freshwater fish that are popular in aquariums. They are hardy fish that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. However, there are some things to consider when choosing the best water for molly fish.
Tank Water Temperature
Mollies are tropical fish, and they need warm water to thrive. The ideal water temperature for mollies is between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water is too cold, the mollies will become sluggish and may even die. If the water is too hot, the mollies will become stressed and may also die.
There are a few ways to heat your aquarium water. You can use an aquarium heater, or you can place the aquarium in a room that is warm. If you use an aquarium heater, make sure to get one that is fully submersible and has a thermostat to control the temperature.
If you are not using an aquarium heater, you will need to monitor the water temperature closely. You can use a thermometer to check the water temperature and make sure to keep the aquarium in a room that is warm.
Best Water Flow
When it comes to the best water flow for molly fish, it is important to have a moderate amount of flow. Too much flow can be stressful for molly fish and can make it difficult for them to swim and eat. On the other hand, not enough flow can lead to stagnant water, which can be harmful to molly fish and other aquarium inhabitants. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a water flow that is gentle but noticeable.
pH — Water Acidity & Alkalinity Levels for Mollys
The ideal pH range for molly fish is 7.5 to 8.5.
Molly fish are also tolerant of a wide range of alkalinity levels. The ideal alkalinity for molly fish is between 2 and 12 dKH.
While molly fish are not overly fussy when it comes to water conditions, it is important to maintain stable water parameters in their aquarium. sudden changes in pH or alkalinity can be stressful for molly fish and may lead to illness.
Filtration
One important aspect of molly fish care is filtration.
Mollies are messy eaters and produce a lot of waste. A good filter will help to keep the water clean and free of toxins. There are several different types of filters available, and the best one for your molly tank will depend on the size of your tank and the number of fish you have.
Canister filters are a good option for molly tanks. They are powerful and can be customized to fit the specific needs of your tank. Hang-on-back (HOB) filters are also a good choice. They are easy to install and maintain, and they provide good filtration for molly tanks.
Whatever type of filter you choose, be sure to keep it clean and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A dirty or clogged filter will not work properly and can actually harm your fish.
With a good filter in place, your molly fish will thrive in a healthy and clean environment.
Lighting
If you’re looking to add molly fish to your aquarium, you need to be aware of the kind of lighting that’s best for them. While mollies are adaptable to a range of lighting conditions, they do prefer brighter light.
In the wild, mollies inhabit areas with plenty of sunlight. This means that they’re used to being in bright light for most of the day. In an aquarium setting, you’ll need to recreate this bright environment if you want your mollies to thrive.
The best way to provide bright light for your mollies is to use full-spectrum aquarium lights. These lights simulate natural sunlight and provide the full spectrum of light that mollies need.
Full spectrum lights should be used for 10-12 hours per day to recreate the natural light cycle that mollies are used to. During the other 12 hours, the aquarium should be in complete darkness.
If you don’t want to use full spectrum lights, you can also provide bright light by using a combination of regular aquarium lights and daylight bulbs. This setup will also provide the full spectrum of light that mollies need.
When choosing lights for your aquarium, be sure to get ones that are specifically designed for aquarium use. Regular light bulbs can release harmful chemicals into the water that can harm your fish.
Do Mollies Need an Air Pump?
One of the most important things to know is that molly fish need an air pump.
An air pump is necessary for aquarium fish molly because they need access to oxygen. In the wild, molly fish live in areas with a lot of vegetation and moving water. This provides them with plenty of access to oxygen. However, in captivity, molly fish are often kept in tanks that do not have a lot of movement or vegetation. This can make it difficult for them to get the oxygen they need.
An air pump will help to ensure that your molly fish have access to the oxygen they need. It will also help to keep the water in their tank clean and free of toxins. A healthy molly fish is a happy molly fish, so be sure to get an air pump for your tank.
Plants and Decorations
When choosing plants and decorations for your molly fish aquarium, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, molly fish like to swim and play, so choose plants and decorations that won’t block their path or impede their movement. Second, molly fish are known to nibble on plants, so choose plants that are tough and can withstand a little bit of chewing. Finally, since molly fish come in such a wide variety of colors, you can use plants and decorations to create a visually striking and vibrant aquarium.
Some great plants for a molly fish aquarium include java fern, Hornwort, and Anubias. These plants are tough, can withstand a bit of nibbling, and won’t block your molly fish’s path. Decorations such as driftwood, rocks, and caves provide hiding places and places to explore for your molly fish.
What’s the Best Substrate for Molly Fish?
There are a few things to consider when selecting a substrate for molly fish. First, molly fish are bottom-dwellers, so the substrate should be deep enough for them to comfortably rest on the bottom of the tank. Second, since molly fish are often kept in tanks with other fish species, the substrate should be safe for all fish in the tank. Finally, molly fish are native to freshwater environments, so the substrate should mimic their natural habitat as much as possible.
With these factors in mind, the best substrate for molly fish is a sandy substrate.
Food & Diet
Molly fish are omnivorous, meaning they will eat both plant and animal matter. In the wild, molly fish diet consists of algae, small insects, and crustaceans. In the home aquarium, a molly fish diet should consist of a variety of foods to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need.
A good diet for molly fish includes both plant and animal matter.
What Can You Feed Your Molly Fish?
The best diet for molly fish is a balanced diet that includes both plant and animal matter. A good quality commercial fish food that contains all the necessary nutrients is a good base for their diet.
You can also supplement their diet with live or frozen foods, such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia. Be sure to offer a variety of foods to ensure that your molly fish are getting all the nutrients they need.
How Often Do Molly Fish Need to Be Fed?
Molly fish are not particularly finicky eaters and will generally eat whatever food you provide for them. That being said, it is still important to give them a nutritious diet that meets their specific needs. In general, you should feed your molly fish 2-3 times per day. Each feeding should be small enough that the fish can eat it all in a few minutes.
If you are unsure how much food to give your fish, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much food as they can eat in 5 minutes. Once they stop eating, you should remove any uneaten food from the tank to prevent it from decaying and harming the water quality.
While molly fish are not particularly delicate fish, overfeeding can still lead to problems. Many of the same health issues that can affect other types of fish, such as obesity and swim bladder problems, can also occur in molly fish that are overfed. Therefore, it is important to stick to the recommended feeding schedule and not overdo it.
How Long Can a Molly Fish Go Without Food?
Mollies are a type of fish that can live for a long time without food. In the wild, they can go for weeks or even months without eating. However, in captivity, they should be given food at least once a week. If you are planning on keeping mollies in your aquarium, be sure to have a plan for feeding them.
Watch the Following Video on 9 Things You Must Know Before Buying Mollies
Behavior & Temperament
Molly fish are usually peaceful and can get along with other fish, making them a good choice for a community aquarium. They are active and enjoy swimming, so a tank with plenty of space is necessary. Mollies are also known to be good jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is a must.
Mollies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Females will often have a gravid spot, a dark area near the tail that becomes prominent when they are ready to give birth. Once pregnant, a female molly will usually give birth every 4 to 6 weeks.
While mollies are generally peaceful, there can be some aggression between males during the breeding season. In addition, pregnant females may become territorial and aggressive toward other fish in the tank. If aggression becomes a problem, it is best to remove the offending fish from another tank or aquarium.
Good Tank Mates
They are peaceful fish that do well in community tanks and can be kept with a variety of other fish.
- Cherry Barb
Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) is a small, reddish-brown freshwater fish native to Sri Lanka. It is a member of the Cyprinidae, or carp, family and grows to approximately 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) in length. The Cherry Barb is a popular aquarium fish, known for its peaceful nature and vibrant coloration.
- Celestial Pearl Danio
The Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus) is a beautiful freshwater fish that originates from Myanmar. It is also known as the Galaxy Rasbora, or the Galaxy Danio. This little fish is a peaceful community fish that does well in a densely planted aquarium with other small peaceful fish. It is a schooling fish, so keep at least six together.
- Rosy Barb
Rosy Barb is a freshwater fish species belonging to the carp family. The fish is native to South Asia and has been introduced to several other countries. It is a popular aquarium fish and is used in traditional Chinese medicine.
The rosy barb is a hardy fish that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. It is a peaceful fish that gets along well with other species. The fish is omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods.
- Platies
A platy is a small, freshwater fish that is popular in home aquariums. They are easy to care for and can live in a wide range of water conditions. Platies are also known for their vibrant colors and patterns.
Platies are native to Central America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including rivers, streams, and lakes. In the wild, platies are mostly herbivorous, but they will also eat small insects and other invertebrates.
- Bristlenose Pleco
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance fish to add to your aquarium, the Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus dolichopterus) is a good option. This species of fish is relatively small, reaching a maximum size of about six inches. They are brown in color, and as their name suggests, they have a bristly growth on their heads. Bristlenose Plecos are native to South America, and they prefer slow-moving water.
Bristlenose Plecos are peaceful fish, and they can get along with most other aquarium inhabitants. They are not particularly active, and they prefer to spend most of their time hiding among the plants and rocks in the aquarium.
- Zebra Loach
If you’re looking for an interesting and unique fish to add to your aquarium, you may want to consider the Zebra Loach. As its name suggests, this fish is adorned with striking black and white stripes, which is sure to add some flair to your tank. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Zebra Loach is also a peaceful and hardy fish, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced aquarium enthusiasts.
- Yoyo Loach
Yoyo loach (Botia almorhae) is a small, freshwater fish native to Pakistan and India. It is a member of the loach family and is closely related to clown loach (Botia macracanthus) and skunk loach (Botia morleti). The yoyo loach is a popular aquarium fish and is known for its playful, outgoing personality.
The yoyo loach is a small fish, reaching a maximum length of 4 inches (10 cm). It is brown or olive-colored, with a dark stripe running along its side. The yoyo loach is a peaceful fish and can be kept with other peaceful species. It is an active fish and will often be seen swimming in the middle or on top of the aquarium.
- Most Types Of Tetras
Tetras are one of the most popular groups of aquarium fish. They are small, brightly colored, and relatively easy to care for. There are many different types of tetras, and they come from all over the world.
The most common type of tetra is the Neon Tetra. These fish are native to the Amazon River basin in South America. They are one of the most popular aquarium fish due to their vibrant colors. Neon Tetras grow to be about 2 inches long and prefer to live in groups of 6 or more.
- Dwarf Gourami
The Dwarf Gourami is a small, brightly colored freshwater fish that is popular among aquarium enthusiasts. These little fish are native to Southeast Asia and can be found in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. In the wild, Dwarf Gouramis inhabit slow-moving streams and ponds with plenty of vegetation.
Aquarium-bred Dwarf Gouramis are available in a variety of colors, including blue, red, orange, and yellow. They typically grow to be about 2-3 inches in length and have a lifespan of 5-8 years.
- Harlequin Rasbora
Harlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) is a small, peaceful fish that is perfect for the nano aquarium. They are easy to care for and are very active, making them fun to watch. Despite their small size, they are quite hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. Rasboras are social creatures and do best in groups, so be sure to purchase at least six.
- Cory Catfish
Cory Catfish are a peaceful, bottom dwelling fish that are a welcome addition to any freshwater aquarium. They are small, hardy, and relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginner fish keepers. Corys are social creatures and do best in groups of 3 or more, so be sure to buy several if you plan on keeping them. These little fish are very active and love to play, so they make a great addition to any community tank.
- Swordtail Fish
Most swordtail fish are peaceful and can get along with other fish, but there are a few exceptions. Swordtail fish are a hardy species and can live in a wide range of temperatures and water conditions. They are a popular choice for beginner aquariums.
Swordtail fish are native to Central and South America. In the wild, they can be found in slow-moving rivers and streams. They get their name from their long, sword-like tail fin.
FAQs on How to Care for Molly Fish
Do Mollies clean the tank?
Mollies are not considered to be a particularly good tank cleaner, and they are not recommended for this purpose.
How many Mollies should be kept together?
Mollies can be kept together in groups of 5-10 individuals, but it is recommended to have at least one male for every two females to prevent breeding.
Why do Molly fish stay at the top of the tank?
Molly fish stay at the top of the tank because they need more oxygen than fish that stay at the bottom of the tank.
How many Mollies can I put in a 10-gallon tank?
As a general rule of thumb, you can keep one Molly per gallon of water. So, in a 10-gallon tank, you could keep 10 mollies.
Can Mollies live in tap water?
Mollies are a type of fish that can live in both fresh and salt water. While they can technically survive in tap water, it is not recommended as it can contain chemicals that are harmful to them. It is best to use filtered or distilled water when setting up a molly tank.
Conclusion
Overall, Molly the fish is a beautiful and popular fish that is often kept as a pet. They are not difficult to care for, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure they stay healthy and happy.
Molly the fish are social creatures and do best when kept in groups. They should be kept with other peaceful fish that are similar in size.
Proper care of Molly the fish is not difficult, but does require some attention to detail.
References:
- Sailfin Molly (Florida Museum of Natural History
Gainesville): https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/species-profiles/poecilia-latipinna/ - Nitrate: nutrient and signal for plant growth (National Library of Medicine): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC160877/
- Daphnia (Wikipedia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daphnia
