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