Common nameMolly
Young Black Mollies

Silver and Speckled varieties

Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans Scientific namePoecilia species, which may be P. latipinna (Sailfin Molly) or hybrids and cultivated varieties of different Poecilia species. Synonyms Size4" (10cm), females slightly larger. OriginSouthern USA Tank setupHardwater community aquarium with tough plants. CompatibilityCommunity Temperature20-26oC (68-78oF) Water chemistryHard and alkaline, pH 7.5-8.5. FeedingOmnivorous: flake, frozen/live foods, algae, green food. SexingMales have a large dorsal fin and a gonopodium (modified anal fin). BreedingLivebearers, up to 50 young are produced. Keep 2 or more females per male. Comments These fish are often regarded as essentially brackish, but can thrive in fresh, brackish, or even full marine conditions if acclimatised gradually. Although often considered beneficial, the addition of salt to the water is not essential as long as the water is hard and alkaline. If salt is added, it should ideally be marine salt, rather than general aquarium tonic salts. The tank should not however be routinely salted if it is a mixed community containing soft water fishes.
Many colour varieties are available - including silver, mottled and speckled or "dalmation" varieties, and the popular black molly. ...