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Molly
Poecilia sphenops
A bold, active livebearer that comes in endless colors — hardy, but needs hard, alkaline water and space.
3–4.5 in3–5 years
Habitat
Enclosure
20 gal minimum · 1 male per 2–3 females
Temperature
72–78°F
Humidity / Water
Freshwater · pH 7.5–8.5, hard water
Heating & lighting
Stable heater and good filtration; they prefer harder, alkaline water. Expect monthly fry.
Diet
Feed these
- Flake food
- Spirulina flakes
- Frozen brine shrimp
- Blanched vegetables
Never feed
- Overfeeding
- Soft, acidic water long-term (they decline)
- Uncrushed flakes for fry
Feed small pinches twice daily, with vegetable matter regularly. Females drop fry every 30 days — dense plants save the babies.
Cohabitation
Can live with
Platies Guppies Neon tetras Corydoras catfish Other mollies — 1 male per 2–3 females
Never house with
Betta — both nip each other Oscar — eaten Angelfish — fin nipping
Males chase females constantly — keep the ratio right or the females get harassed. Great community fish with other livebearers.
