Molly
Poecilia sphenops
FishFreshwater
- Care level
- Easy
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Recommended tank
- 80 L
- Maximum size
- 8 cm
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
- pH
- 7–8.5
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care at a glance
The molly is a sturdy livebearer available in all sorts of colour forms, from the classic black to the speckled dalmatian. It is bigger and more solidly built than the guppy, and needs more swimming space than most people expect.
It originates from hard, mineral-rich water; in soft, acidic water things often go wrong with fungus and the dreaded 'shimmy', that jerky rocking on the spot. So skip peat and acidifiers and keep the water on the hard side. It is also an enthusiastic algae grazer: offer vegetable food regularly alongside flakes.
Related species
Keep Molly in the BlubHub app
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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.