Description
🐟 Molly Fish (Poecilia sphenops)
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Poecilia sphenops
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Family: Poeciliidae
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Origin: Central & South America
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Size: 3 – 5 inches (7 – 12 cm)
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Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
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Tank Zone: Mostly mid to top swimmers
🌊 Water Parameters
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TDS: 250 – 500 ppm (prefer slightly harder water)
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pH: 7.0 – 8.5
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Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)
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Hardness: 10 – 25 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
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Hardy, active, and peaceful livebearers.
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Come in many colors and varieties (Black Molly, Sailfin Molly, Dalmatian Molly, Balloon Molly, Gold Dust Molly, etc.).
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Males are smaller and slimmer, females are larger and rounder.
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They are livebearers – give birth to free-swimming fry.
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Great for community tanks if water conditions are stable.
🍽️ Food
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Type: Omnivorous
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Diet: Flake food, pellets, algae wafers, blanched veggies (zucchini, spinach, cucumber), frozen/live foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms).
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Feeding: 1–2 times daily in small amounts.
🛠️ Maintenance
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Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (bigger for groups).
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Filtration: Strong and clean filtration (they produce more waste).
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Substrate & Decor: Plants, driftwood, and open swimming space.
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Water Change: 25–30% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
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Minimum Group Size: Best in groups of at least 4–6.
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Tank Mates: Guppies, Platies, Swordtails, Corydoras, Tetras, peaceful Gouramis.
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Avoid: Aggressive fish or fin-nippers.
✅ Do’s
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Keep in slightly hard water (they thrive in it).
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Provide plants for cover and fry survival.
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Add some aquarium salt (optional, but they like it).
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Maintain stable water conditions.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t overcrowd – they breed very fast!
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Don’t mix with aggressive cichlids.
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Don’t keep in soft acidic water for long-term.
⭐ Quick Tips
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Perfect for beginners.
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Easy to breed – females can give birth to 20–100 fry at once.
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Active swimmers that bring life and color to community tanks.
