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.
How big do Dalmation Mollies get?
Maximum Size: In aquariums Mollys can grow to be about 5′′ long , including their tails. Behaviors: Most Mollys are very active swimmers, and chase each other, but are rarely too aggressive. Female Mollys release live baby fish about once a month when kept in good water, and fed lots of premium food.
How long do Dalmatian mollies live?
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.
Is a Dalmatian a molly school fish?
Mollies are active and social so they enjoy schooling together . A shoal should be predominantly female since males are known to harass and stress females. It's easy to spot personalities in active fish like these. Watching them for a while will quickly get you attached as you notice their individual differences.
Where are mollies found in the wild?
Molly fish prefer to live in shallow surface waters. In the wild, they are usually found in loosely vegetated coastal streams . However, these fish are known to do well in lakes, estuaries, deltas, swamps, ponds, marshes and even in ephemeral places like roadside ditches.
What kind of food do Dalmation mollies eat?
In the wild, mollies are omnivores and feed on small invertebrates, algae and plant matter . In the home aquarium, they should be fed a high quality flake food, and a variety of vegetables. One of the best prepared foods that you can feed them is Hikari Micro Wafers .
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.
What do mollies like in their tank?
A tropical fish like this needs a heater in the tank to maintain temperatures of 72-78°F. Keep pH between 6.7 and 8.5, and hardness between 20-30 KH. Some people recommend slightly brackish waters for your mollies. ... You don't need any other special equipment (like a water/air pump) either.
How many mollies Can I put in a 15 gallon tank?
To live comfortably, each extra molly will require about 3 additional gallons. Mollies tend to stick together most of the time, which is why you should keep them in groups of 4 or more .
Why is my molly fish laying on the bottom of the tank?
When the swim bladder malfunctions, the fish has trouble maintaining his level in the water and can sink to the bottom of the tank or be stuck near the top. The abnormal ballast can cause the fish to turn sidewise and swim on his side, or even roll entirely upside down.
What is the lifespan of molly fish?
On average, they will only live for one to one and a half years . By comparison, naturally occurring types of mollies can live for up to five years if properly cared for. If you'd rather have a longer-living fish, you may be better off keeping a different type of molly.
Will mollies school with guppies?
Yes, guppies and mollies can live together , and they actually work well together. However, if the right requirements aren't met, then some aggression may occur (from the mollies.) And there is always a slight risk that mollies will nip fish that have long fins such as guppies.
Can Dalmation mollies live alone?
Mollies are friendly, peaceful fish that generally get along with their tank mates well. ... They will grow depressed and isolated if kept alone and should have at least a few other mollies in the same tank. They do best when kept in the company of other live bearers.
What animal is called a molly?
Poecilia sphenops is a species of fish, of the genus Poecilia, known under the common name molly; to distinguish it from its congeners, it is sometimes called short-finned molly or common molly. They inhabit fresh water streams and coastal brackish and marine waters of Mexico.
Can mollies live in tap water?
Water Parameters
Mollies originate from waterways with a high mineral content and pH levels. I've seen lots of tank bred fish adapt to a wide variety of water conditions, hard water fish living in soft water and vice versa. But mollies are a bit of an exception. They really can't thrive in soft water .
Is there a fish called a molly?
Molly, any of several species of tropical fish of the genus Poecilia , in the live-bearer family, Poeciliidae (order Cyprinodontiformes). Hardy and attractive, mollies are popular aquarium fish ranging from about 5 to 13 cm (2 to 5 inches) long.
