Mollies are mostly found from Southern United States down into Central America. 1 The native habitat of these fish extends from the southern United States to the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico, and they thrive mainly in freshwater environments , sometimes venturing into brackish estuaries.
Is Molly fish freshwater?
Molly fish, or just mollies, are freshwater fish from the genus Poecilia, in the Poeciliidae family. All the species in this genus are mollies except for the Endler's livebearer. ... They are a very popular group of fish. Most species are hardy and easy to care for, making them great for beginners.
Are mollies freshwater or saltwater?
Mollies are very versatile fish having the unique ability to live in both freshwater and saltwater if acclimated slowly. Just like other livebearers, mollies are easy to breed, and make fascinating fish for the seasoned aquarist.
Are mollies sensitive fish?
Mollies are sensitive to stress and should not be kept in aquariums with aggressive or very active fish that stress them. ... Males can stress females by pursuing them too aggressively as they try to mate with them and it is therefore important that the females can hide from the males.
Do mollies have to be in warm water?
The recommended temperature for mollies is between 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit (22-25.5 degrees Fahrenheit) . Since this is the natural temperature of freshwater estuaries which they are native to, they will adapt to aquarium life better with these water conditions.
What is the lifespan of a molly fish?
The average molly fish lifespan is around three to five years . While they aren't the longest-living freshwater species out there, there is some wiggle room depending on what species you get. The quality of care you provide will also impact their lifespan significantly.
How many mollies Can I put in a 5 gallon tank?
A 5 gallon tank can easily handle a group of about 5 male mollies . The tank setup you need for mollies the essentially the same as for the other fish in this article. A heater, sponge filter, and light are the main essentials.
Are mollies fin nippers?
Females' anal fin looks just like the rest of their other fins. More than one molly can be kept in a tank together, however, they have been known to nip the fins of others in their tank .
Can you keep all female mollies?
Mollies tend to stick together most of the time , which is why you should keep them in groups of 4 or more. If you are planning to keep more than 4 mollies, make sure you get a 20-gallon tank at least. ... Since male mollies are aggressive breeders, adding more females should divert the males' attention between them.
Why do mollies raise their fins?
Male mollies often raise their dorsal fin when threatening rival males or trying to impress potential mates .
What water temperature do mollies like?
Ideally, mollies survive best in temperatures that are similar to where they are originated from. This means anywhere between 22-29.5 degrees celsius (71-85F) . Remember these are water temperatures and not room temperatures!
Do mollies eat their babies?
In a breeding net, the fry are exposed to the same water conditions the rest of the tank is experiencing. Cannibalism is normal with mollies and other livebearers like guppies and platys. As fecund as they are, you don't really need to worry about saving every last one.
What is a Dalmatian Molly?
Dalmatian Mollies are white with irregular black spots and blotches . The intensity and pattern of the black markings varies between specimens; some may be mostly white, others mostly black. Livebearers are fish that give birth to live, free-swimming babies instead of laying eggs.
What fish can I put with Mollies?
Some species that make good Molly fish tank mates are Dwarf Cichlids, Rams, Discus, Keyhole Cichlids, and Severums . They need at least a 20-gallon tank, as they can grow up to 8 inches in captivity.
Do Mollies need salt?
Yes , salt can help fish in poor health. Not just mollies. ... “If water changes are large enough and frequent enough, and if all the water is well aerated and circulated, livebearers (all the species I have kept) do fine without salt added to the water.
What Colour mollies can you get?
They are available in white, black, and yellow and have a lyre-shaped back fin. Balloon Belly Molly is a friendly breed that likes to the company of similarly sized fish. It only grows to about 3 inches, but it still wants to have an aquarium larger than 30 gallons.
