Aquarium enthusiasts frequently choose the molly sphenops, also referred to as the molly fish. This colorful and versatile fish is prized for its eye-catching appearance and laid-back disposition, which makes it a great choice for novice and expert aquarists alike.
These vibrantly colored live fish bring life to any aquarium because they are available in an array of patterns and colors. Because of their calm disposition, mollies get along well with a variety of tank companions.
Molly fish are not only gorgeous, but they can survive in a range of water conditions due to their hardiness. Maintaining their health and happiness in your aquarium requires knowledge of their care requirements, including tank setup, food, and water parameters.
- Habitat
- Description
- Nutrition
- Aqvium flake food for aquarium fish
- Behavior and compatibility
- Breeding / reproduction
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Habitat
With isolated populations on a few Caribbean islands, the natural habitat stretches northward from Venezuela and Colombia to Mexico in South and Central America. Presently found in the USA, Southeast Asia, and southern Europe in their natural habitats. Fish live in heavily vegetated shallow bodies of water in the wild, especially along the coast where freshwater and saltwater mix.
In a nutshell:
- Aquarium volume – from 100-150 l.
- Temperature – 21-26 ° C
- pH value – 7.0–8.5
- Water hardness — medium and high hardness (15–35 GH)
- Substrate type — any
- Lighting — any
- Brackish water – acceptable in concentrations of 10-15 g. salt per liter of water
- Water movement – weak
- Fish size – 8-12 cm.
- Nutrition – any food with plant additives
- Temperament – peaceful
- Keep alone, in pairs or in groups
The common molly, or Molly sphenops, is a well-liked and low-maintenance freshwater fish that is ideal for novice and expert aquarists alike. These colorful, live fish do best in an aquarium that is kept up properly, has consistent water, and offers a variety of food. Their lively behavior brings life to any aquatic environment, and their calm disposition makes them perfect for community tanks.
Description
Because of their large, rounded abdomen and ability to grow up to 12 cm in length, females appear noticeably larger than males, who only reach up to 8 cm. The scales of wild fish are speckled with iridescent turquoise, giving them a modest gray-silver color. Certain varieties can be identified by their diverse body colors (white, yellow, red, etc.) and patterns (Dalmatian, marble, etc.), as well as by the form of their dorsal and caudal fins (Lyrebirds, for example).
Nutrition
Species that eats everything. It will accept most popular foods in a home aquarium. Products created by numerous manufacturers with Mollies’ needs in mind would be a wise choice. These feeds already include a lot of plant additives, which are an essential part of a daily diet. Fish can cause serious harm to delicate aquarium plants if there is a deficiency.
Aqvium flake food for aquarium fish
Give our recently released product, which has quickly become a bestseller, a 4.9 on Ozon. Most fish in aquariums can eat flake food. The production of raw materials complies with new EU (EU 2018/848) standards. includes Omega 3-6 and vitamins A, C, D3, and E.
Aquarium sizes between 100 and 150 liters are ideal for a school of three to four fish. It is advised to incorporate a lot of floating and rooting aquatic plants into the design, as these will serve as a dependable haven for growing fry, dominant males, and females.
At first, water with high total hardness values and a slight alkalinity requirement was necessary for effective maintenance. PH and GH parameters are no longer relevant in comparison to modern artificially bred species because Mollinesias have successfully adapted to life in a different environment, including soft water, over a long period of selection.
It is far more crucial to stop the excessive buildup of organic waste (food scraps, excrement) from degrading the quality of the water. Weekly fresh water replacement of a portion of the water and continuous filtration system operation are the best defenses against problems.
Numerous sources have stated that adding salt to the aquarium is necessary since some populations of this species naturally wind up in brackish environments. Such a process is not required, but it is acceptable. Inexperienced aquarists may also underestimate the concentration.
Behavior and compatibility
The peaceful Molly sphenops gets along well with other similar-sized, non-aggressive fish. Males can occasionally be extremely chatty during courtship, which can upset females unnecessarily in small aquariums without shelters. Because of this, it’s best to keep a harem, which consists of one male and several females kept in tiny tanks.
Breeding / reproduction
Breeding is not difficult at all. Regular spawning occurs when the conditions are right for the fish. This process takes roughly three to five weeks. The fry are born whole from the female. The young of mollies should be moved into a different tank to protect them from predators, as they don’t show much concern for their young. On the other hand, many fry can reach adulthood in a standard aquarium provided there are enough shelters in the form of thickets of plants.
It’s important to keep in mind that this species’ color variations have successfully interbred to produce mixed offspring.
Feature | Description |
Common Name | Molly sphenops |
Scientific Name | Poecilia sphenops |
Size | Up to 4 inches |
Water Temperature | 72-82°F (22-28°C) |
pH Level | 7.0-8.5 |
Diet | Omnivorous, eats flakes, pellets, and vegetables |
Tank Size | Minimum 20 gallons |
Behavior | Peaceful, suitable for community tanks |
Breeding | Livebearer, gives birth to free-swimming fry |
Molly sphenops is an excellent option for aquarists of all skill levels. They are simple to maintain in a range of tank configurations due to their adaptability and tranquil nature.
These fish create a lively atmosphere in your aquarium in addition to adding brilliant color. In captivity, they can flourish and even breed with the right care, giving your tank even more personality.
Molly sphenops can be a rewarding and lovely addition to any aquarium, whether you’re looking to start your first or grow your current collection.