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Molly

Scientific name: Poecilia sphenops

Origin: The Caribbean and the south and central parts of South America.

Size: A Molly can grow up to 4 inches long (10 centimetres).  

Coloration: Most Mollies are black, but other colour variations do exist.

Shape: The Molly looks similar to the Sail Fin Molly, but the Sail Fin Molly have a larger dorsal fin.

Temperament: Mollies are peaceful and commonly found in community aquariums.
Feeding: Live food and Tubifex worms are recommended.

Care: Mollies can be a little tricky to keep for the beginner aquarists, but as soon as you have learned the basics about successful aquarium maintenance you can usually keep a Molly. Mollies prefer a well planted aquarium, and live plants are recommended.

Water conditions: Mollies can be kept in freshwater aquariums, but a more salty environment is much better since this resembles the natural environment for the Molly. They are however not marine creatures. The preferred temperature is 25 – 28 degrees C (77 – 82 degrees F) and the pH should be from 7.0 to 7.5.

Gender: The anal fin of the male Molly has developed into a visible reproductive organ (a gonopodium).

Breeding: Compared to the easiest livebearers like the Guppy and the Platy, breeding Molly is a little harder. A slightly salty environment is recommended. Mollies are less likely to eat their offspring compared to Guppies and Swordtails.     

Additional comments: The Molly derives its name from a French politician named Comte François Nicolas Mollien
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