Molly
Poecilia sphenops
Family : Poeciliidae
The molly is a robust and easy fish, often confused with the guppy but larger and stockier.
Description
Poecilia sphenops reaches 6-10 cm. The body is stocky, the head broad. Wild coloration is gray-green with bluish reflections. Cultivated varieties are black (black molly), golden, marbled. The fins are well developed. It is an ovoviviparous fish. It is peaceful, active, and lives in groups. It can be kept in brackish water. It grazes on algae. Males are smaller and more colorful than females.
Habitat
Region :
The molly lives in fresh and brackish waters of coasts, lagoons and rivers. It prefers hard and alkaline waters, with abundant vegetation. It tolerates salinity well.
Distribution :
Recommended parameters
Care
Care notes
A tank of at least 80 L for a group. Water should be hard (GH 15-25), alkaline (pH 7.5-8.5), temperature 25-28°C. Good filtration. Addition of salt (1 teaspoon per 10 L) recommended for cultivated varieties. Omnivorous: flakes, pellets, vegetables, algae. Prolific. Compatible with other hard water fish (platies, swordtails). Avoid acidic water. Sensitive to diseases if water is too soft.
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