A popular option for novice and seasoned aquarium enthusiasts is black molly. These fish, who are well-known for their calm demeanor and sleek, dark appearance, bring something special to any aquarium. They’re well-liked in the aquarium community because they’re simple to maintain and adjust well to different water conditions.
Black mollies are beloved in part because of their hardiness. These fish are adaptable to a variety of habitats, including freshwater and somewhat brackish water. Because of their adaptability, they can be used in a variety of setups, regardless of how advanced your aquarium is or how new you are.
In addition to being incredibly adaptive, black mollies are fascinating to observe. They’re a terrific addition to a community tank because they’re cheerful fish that swim actively and get along with other calm fish. Additionally, their striking black color contrasts beautifully with colorful tank decorations and green plants.
| Feature | Details |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia sphenops |
| Size | Up to 3-4 inches |
| Water Temperature | 72-82°F (22-28°C) |
| pH Level | 7.0-8.5 |
| Diet | Omnivorous |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Tank Size | At least 20 gallons |
Aquarium enthusiasts often choose black Molly fish because of their eye-catching appearance, calm demeanor, and ability to adapt to a variety of water conditions. Both novice and seasoned aquarists will find these fish to be very easy to care for. They are available in many colors, but their sleek black coloring stands out the most. Because of their hardiness and ability to survive in well-maintained tanks, black mollies are a valuable addition to any aquarium.
Aquarium volume for mollies
We believe that a 50-liter aquarium is the minimum size needed to house a small colony of mollies. Because of their high level of activity, 100 liter aquariums are the perfect size for keeping mollies. Fish shouldn’t be kept in tiny, constrained aquariums.
Maintenance and care of mollies
Molly fish in black color
It is desirable to create a stable biological balance in the aquarium Wednesdays. All species/morphs of mollies are quite thermophilic and prefer water with a temperature of 25-27 °C, they do not tolerate temperature changes well.
Like all fish, mollies love fresh water, so systematic (once a week) replacement of aquarium water in a volume of ~ 1/3- 1/4 part is desirable. This manipulation will ensure the absence of high concentrations of nitrogen compounds in the aquarium – ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. When changing water, you need to strictly monitor the temperature regime. Filtration and aeration of water are necessary. Every conscientious aquarist should always have a set of drop tests on hand, at least for nitrate and phosphate. Fortunately, they have now become inexpensive, there are no problems with their assortment and acquisition. In the stores of your city – offline, you can find inexpensive Vladox tests. Follow your friends, with nitrogenous compounds, keep them in UES and everything will be with your pets with a bundle.
Using preparations that neutralize harmful substances during deep water changes with a clean water supply won’t be unnecessary. For example, Tetra AquaSafe eliminates heavy metals and chlorine compounds while also including B vitamins, iodine, and other beneficial ingredients for aquariums.
Photo of a black molly balloon
The reputable FF online store Aqua Logo Shop sells the aforementioned supplies, gear, and other helpful items for an aquarist. We advise against it!
Most of the time, the fish are in the upper and middle layers of the aquarium. The optimal daylight hours for these fish should be at least 12 hours, so it is necessary to equip the aquarium with open, well-lit areas. The presence of stones, snags, thickets of plants, etc. is no less important.p. for shelter.
Mollies are active fish, moderately friendly. It is better to keep it in a group with a predominance of females. Can live both in a general aquarium and in a species-specific one. Gets along well with a variety of neighbors. In general, the fish "neighbors" should be about the same size. Mollies get along well with each other – intraspecific aggression is weakly expressed, but at the same time in a cramped aquarium, males can chase each other. Therefore, it is better to provide a spacious aquarium so that there are at least 10 liters of water per individual.
Feeding mollies
Since mollies are omnivores, a sufficient amount of plant food should be a part of their diet. Proper and varied feeding is essential for maintaining a fish’s health. Because mollies are such voracious eaters, it’s crucial to avoid overfeeding them to avoid digestive issues.
TetraMin can be used as a basic food with ease. Additionally, food containing carotenoids—from the color series—can be fed to colorful morphs with yellow and red tones.
Allow a small note. Color series feeds (contains "color" in the name, for example, TetraPRO Color Multi-Crisps) – enhance the natural color of fish (only. – red, yellow colors), since it is enriched with pigments such as canthaxanthin, astaxanthin. In fact, carotenoids are natural "coloring" substances. It is astaxanthin that gives plants a red-orange color, carrots are a striking example of this. Or, for example, have you ever wondered why flamingos are pink? Yes, that"s exactly why. Eating plant and animal food rich in carotenoids, flamingo plumage, which is initially white, gradually turns pink. The more the birds receive this substance with food, the richer and redder the plumage becomes. If you look even deeper, flamingos eat the well-known brine shrimp – pink, saltwater crustaceans and also turn pink.
In actuality, if the meal includes carotenoids, the same thing occurs with fish. It should be mentioned that astaxanthin is an antioxidant in addition to its other advantageous qualities. Generally speaking, carotenoids benefit all aquatic life, including aquarium plants, in addition to fish. The only requirement is that everything be balanced and in moderation. You must realize that the conditions of the fish’s life—such as stress or spawning—as well as the environment and lighting in the aquarium all affect the fish’s color.
In conclusion, while the Color series feeds are beneficial, they shouldn’t serve as the main course. Imagine what would happen if someone consumed nothing but beets for the entire week. The idea is unsettling. Fish is the same way. I apologize; they start to poop adorable pink poop.
It is crucial in this case, incidentally, to avoid overfeeding the fish in order to prevent digestive tract issues. Feed Molly once daily and observe fast days. One of the keys to their maintenance success will be this. It is important to remember that when purchasing any dry food, you should check the date of manufacture and expiration, avoid buying food in bulk, and store it in a closed container to prevent the growth of harmful flora.
Reproduction and sexual differences between male and female mollies
Male and female differences are readily apparent, and sexual dimorphism is prominently displayed. The anal fins of males form a gonopodium. When living in comfortable conditions, mollies give birth to young every month. In order to increase the likelihood of conception, the male uses a gonopodium during reproduction, which has a groove for seminal fluid transfer to the female and a hook to help it cling on during fertilization. Fish reach sexual maturity at six months for females and about a year for males.
Mollies’ gender differences
A month and a half (35 to 45 days) is the average length of a pregnancy. A dark patch on the lower abdomen and a fully developed abdomen are indicators that a female is pregnant, and these signs cause the female to hide in quiet areas of the aquarium. It is best to put such a female in a small spawning aquarium that shares the same water parameters as the main aquarium.
The typical time for sprouting is early in the morning. Depending on the size and age of the mother, large females can give birth to up to 100 fry at once. Since molly fry are rather large at birth, they initially lie on the ground and on plant leaves before rising from the depths. Since molly fry are highly susceptible to toxins in the water, it is advised to change the water in their aquarium more frequently than usual. You can add a small amount of salt to the water to boost the fry’s immunity.
The fry require a varied diet to grow quickly; they are given "live dust," which is finely ground artificial food or fry-specific food.
These and a variety of other fish are always available at the physical supermarkets Aqua Logo and the internet retailer Aqua-Shop. Delivery of live goods is offered in Moscow and the surrounding areas.
Aquarium enthusiasts, whether novice or seasoned, often choose black mollies. They are an excellent complement to a community tank because of their eye-catching black hue and serene disposition. They do best in settings that are kept up properly, with clean water and appropriate attention.
These fish are resilient and adaptive in addition to being aesthetically pleasing. Black mollies can add vibrancy and beauty to your aquarium, whether you want to breed them or just enjoy having them there.
Your black mollies will stay healthy and lively if you give them the proper environment and a well-balanced food. They are delightful to watch because of their laid-back nature, and they get along well with a wide variety of other fish species.
