Assorted Molly Fish Poecilia Sphenops 3cm

Overview

The Short-finned Molly is a classic hardy livebearer, offered here in a mix of colours such as black, gold, silver, marble and dalmatian. It is a lively, sociable fish from Central America that spends the day grazing on algae and browsing the tank. An ideal starter fish for hard, alkaline water communities.

• Sold as: Pack of 6 (minimum order quantity)
• Adult Size: Around 8 cm (3 in); females larger than males
• Lifespan: 3–5 years

Origin

• Native to: Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela; colour forms are captive bred
• Habitat: Slow streams, lagoons and brackish coastal waters

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous, with a strong vegetable component
• Preferred Foods: Quality flake, spirulina flake, blanched spinach, brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworm
• Feeding Habits: Feed small amounts twice daily; include greens or algae wafers most days

Tank Mates

• Best with: Platies, guppies, swordtails, Corydoras, rainbowfish, hard-water tetras, other mollies
• Avoid: Fin-nippers, large cichlids, soft-water specialists

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful and sociable
• Territoriality: Low; males chase females and squabble mildly

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner
• Challenges: Needs hard, alkaline, stable water; soft water leads to shimmies and disease

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, hard and alkaline; tolerates brackish
• Temperature: 21–28°C (70–82°F)
• pH: 7.0–8.5
• Hardness: 15–30 dGH
• Flow: Slow to moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 80 litres for a group of six; larger is better, ideally with plants and open swimming space

Final Notes

Mollies are prolific livebearers: females produce broods of up to 120 fry roughly every eight weeks, so keep two or three females per male and expect numbers to grow unless fry are removed or eaten. Males are smaller and identified by the rod-like gonopodium. Salt is not needed, but the species tolerates brackish and even marine conditions. With hard water, plants and greens in the diet they are colourful, busy and easy to keep.