Molly

Poecilia sphenops

Species/genus: Poecilia sphenops - Common Molly Poecillia velifera - Sailfin Molly

Origin:   U.S. Gulf Coast to Central America - Mainly in brackish waters

Temp:  75 - 82°F (25 - 28°C) pH:   7+    dH:   Hard

Size: 4 inches

Temperament:  Non aggressive, one of the least likely Livebearers to eat it's own fry

Adult Size:   Up to 4 in   ( 10 cm) Smaller for the common variety

Feeding:  Primarily a vegetarian but will accept most aquarium foods. A good algae eater, somewhat piggish.

Breeding:   A popular member of the Livebearer group of fishes. The female will drop live fry in intervals of between 4 and 6 weeks. Fry can be raised in the same tank with parents as long as no other species of fry eating fish are present.

Mollies like a little salt in their water (but not essential) and are easier to keep in a species tank of their own. They seem to be prone to a variety of diseases when their requirements for warmth, salinity and higher pH are not met. They are highly adaptable and can live in fresh, brackish and marine conditions. Mollies are often used to break-in a new marine tank. Sail-fin Mollies need plenty of room to grow to achieve the high Sail-fin and it will not usually develop in a tank smaller than 20 gallons and only then when there is only one or two fish. There is a multitude of varieties of Mollies, and all are easily interbred. If you want to maintain a pure variety they will have to be kept separate. Mollies are especially prone to "shimmies", this can be cured with the addition of 2 teaspoons of salt per gallon and an increase in temperature to about 80°F. Mollies are one of the best fish for taking care of an algae problem. They will eat even hair algae if you make them (don't feed them much until the algae is eaten). Mollies are beautiful, hardy, non aggressive but not timid, come in a large variety and are an all around nice fish to have in your tank.

All Mollies need an aquarium that is well planted and not overcrowded. It is suggested that you add a little salt and that you provide lots of algae and other vegetable foods.

The Poeciliidae or Livebearing tooth-carp family originated from North, Central, and SouthAmerica, but now can be found worldwide, as they have been introduced for mosquito control. The fish of the Poeciliidae Family are the best-known of all aquarium fish due to their relative ease of keep, and the many colourful, cultivated varieties available.

Live-bearers are highly developed on an evolutionary scale, and their adaption gives their live young an advantage over egg-laying species.The genera of Poeciliidae that are most commonly kept in aquaria are Belonesox, Limia, Poecilia , and Xiphophorus .

For beginners the Short-finned Molly is the best choice as it is the most durable, least demanding, and needs the least space. The next best choice is a cross breed of Short-finned and Sail fin. The Sail fin Mollies, though often more peaceful, are a bit more challenging to keep. In general all mollies are peaceful, though it has been noted that behaviour is very individual, and occasionally you will get a fish that can have an attitude problem!

The common molly can produce fertile hybrids with many Poecilia species, most importantly the sailfin molly. In the case of black hybrids, they are called Midnight Molly. These are very popular due to their impressive dorsal fins, but require a bit more attention and have a somewhat decreased lifespan.