Do you have a hobby of fishkeeping, and you are a novice fishkeeper? Well, you need to know a detail about the fish that you are planning to keep in your aquarium. Let us talk about the most beginner-friendly fish, Molly Fish. The colorful body, flowing fins and friendly nature of this make it favorite to beginner and intermediate fish enthusiasts.

Overview of the Fish

Native to the U.S and Mexico, Mollies are usually found in small rivers and streams. This fish is a livebearer that can hold its eggs in its womb until it gives birth to small fries.

Molly Fish avoids aggression and fighting, so you should keep it in a peaceful community tank with small and passive-natures species such as Corydoras Catfish, Danios, Cherry Barbs, Dwarf Gouramis, Harlequin Rasboras, Zebra Loaches, Tetras, Platies and Snails. Do not keep large and furious species in its tanks such as Oscar Fish, Angelfish and Green Terror Cichlid.

The size of this fish can grow up to 4.5” (11.43 cm). Mollies have a flat body, large fan-shaped caudal fin, narrow-pointed mouth and flat fan-shaped dorsal fin. You can choose any color as Mollies are found in orange, yellow, green and white shades.

Diet Requirements

You can feed both meat and vegetables to this omnivore fish. Molly Fish likes consuming Bloodworms, Tubifex, Brine Shrimp, Squashed Lettuce Leaves, Zucchini, and Spinach.

Tank Requirement

Molly Fish is adaptable with different water types, but you should maintain the water parameter when you are keeping it in your tank. A 10-gallon tank is required for this 4.5” (11.43 cm) Molly. Don’t overcrowd the tank of this fish. Add some caves and aquatic plants like Anacharis and Anubias Nana.

The water temperature in the fish tank of Molly Fish should be 72-78° F (22-25° C). The hardness of the water should be 20-30 dKH, and the pH level should be 6.7-8.5.

You should replace about 25% of the water every month to maintain the hygiene of the fish home so that the fish is not affected by various diseases like Ich, Velvet Disease, Livebearer Disease and Shimmies.

Breeding Process

We have discussed above that Molly Fish is a livebearer that develops eggs inside its body and gives birth to live fries. However, you need to maintain the parameter of the water for the fries of Molly. Moreover, try to feed small Brine Shrimps and cucumber crumbs to the fish.

Types of Molly Fish

There is a wide array of Mollies found in different colors. These fish breeds belong to same family but its appearance is different to each other. A few names have been described here, which you can keep in your aquarium.

1. 1. Black Sailfin Molly
2. 2. White/Silver Sailfin Molly
3. 3. Dalmatian Molly Fish
4. 4. Gold Dust Molly Fish
5. 5. Balloon Belly Molly Fish
6. 6. Black Lyretail Molly Fish
7. 7. Gold Doubloon Molly Fish
8. 8. Harlequin Sailfin Molly Fish
9. 9. Marble Lyretail Molly Fish
10. 10. Golden Sailfin Molly Fish
11. 11. Platinum Lyretail Molly Fish
12. 12. Dalmatian Lyretail Molly Fish

The details above are enough to keep a Molly Fish in your tank and take care of it. Knowing about its requirements will help you petting this social and beginner-friendly fish.