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Mollies - Assorted
SKU TD10
$11.95
4 payments of $2.99 with
Price incl. GST (15%) $1.56
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Dunedin 105 Cumberland Street
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Mollies - Assorted
Product Details
Assorted Molly: The Versatile Livebearer
The "Assorted Molly" refers to various species and hybridized forms of mollies (Poecilia genus) that are sold together, showcasing a wide array of colors, patterns, and fin shapes. Originally hailing from freshwater, brackish, and even saltwater coastal waters of the Americas (from Mexico to Colombia), mollies have been extensively line-bred for their stunning diversity. Common species include the Sailfin Molly (P. latipinna, P. velifera), Shortfin Molly (P. sphenops), and Yucatan Molly (P. mexicana).
Their appearance can vary wildly:
- Colors: From solid black (Black Molly), orange, gold, silver, white, to marbled, dalmatian, and speckled patterns.
- Fin Shapes: Short-finned varieties are common, but Sailfin Mollies boast magnificent, extended dorsal fins, and Lyretail forms have elaborately shaped caudal fins.
- Body Shapes: Most are slender and somewhat torpedo-shaped, but balloon mollies (a controversial, selectively bred form with a curved spine) also exist.
Mollies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry, not eggs. They are active, generally peaceful, and their constant movement and varied beauty make them a lively addition to suitable community aquariums.
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Assorted Mollies are generally considered easy to moderate in care. While hardy and adaptable, their preference for slightly harder, more alkaline, and sometimes brackish water means they thrive best when these specific conditions are met. Consistent water quality is key to preventing common Molly ailments like fin rot and ich.
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive (Males)
Mollies are predominantly peaceful, especially females. Males, however, can exhibit territoriality and will constantly pursue females for breeding. To prevent stress on females from this persistent attention and to minimize male-on-male aggression, it is crucial to keep them in groups with a ratio of at least 2-3 females for every male. A male-only tank can also work to avoid breeding and reduce chasing behavior.
Good tank mates include other peaceful, similarly sized fish that prefer similar water conditions (slightly harder, more alkaline water). Compatible companions include:
- Other livebearers (Platies, Swordtails - with caution due to size and fin-nipping risk for Swordtails)
- Some larger Tetras (e.g., Black Skirt Tetras)
- Rainbowfish
- Corydoras Catfish
- Larger, peaceful Gouramis (e.g., Paradise Fish, if conditions match)
Avoid very timid fish (as active mollies can stress them) and aggressive or fin-nipping species (as mollies' fins can be tempting targets).
Diet: Omnivore (with a strong preference for vegetable matter)
Mollies are omnivores with a significant dietary need for vegetable matter. In the wild, they graze on algae and detritus.
- Staple: High-quality flake or pellet food that is rich in spirulina or other vegetable content.
- Supplement: Offer blanched vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or shelled peas frequently. Algae wafers are also a good addition.
- Protein: Supplement with occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms for protein and enrichment.
Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily, ensuring they consume the food within a few minutes. Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality.
Water Conditions:
- Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F). As tropical fish, they require stable, warm water.
- pH: 7.0–8.5 (preferring neutral to significantly alkaline water). This is a key factor for their long-term health.
- Water Hardness: 10-25 dGH (moderately hard to very hard water). Mollies thrive in harder water, which is often crucial for preventing illnesses like ich.
- Salt (Optional but Recommended): While they can live in pure freshwater, many aquarists find that adding a small amount of aquarium salt (non-iodized) to the water (1-2 teaspoons per 5 gallons/19 liters) significantly improves their health and vitality, mimicking their natural brackish habitats. This is especially beneficial for Sailfin Mollies.
- Filtration: Robust filtration is essential to maintain excellent water quality, as mollies are active and produce a fair amount of waste. A moderate to strong water flow is generally acceptable.
- Water Changes: Regular partial water changes (25-30% weekly) are crucial to keep nitrates low and maintain stable water parameters.
Max Size: Up to 15 cm (6 inches) for Sailfins, 7-10 cm (3-4 inches) for Shortfins
Mollies vary significantly in size depending on the specific species and genetics. Shortfin Mollies typically reach 7-10 cm, while Sailfin varieties can grow up to 15 cm or even slightly larger, especially the males with their impressive dorsal fins.
Minimum Tank Size: 60 Litres (approx. 15 US Gallons) for a small group (3-4 individuals of smaller varieties), 110 Litres (approx. 30 US Gallons) for Sailfins.
Due to their potential size, activity levels, and breeding habits, mollies require adequate space. A 60-liter tank can house a small group of smaller molly varieties. For larger Sailfin Mollies, or for a more robust community with multiple mollies, a 110-liter (30 US Gallons) or larger aquarium is highly recommended. Provide a well-planted tank with plenty of open swimming areas, as well as hiding spots among vegetation. A tight-fitting lid is advisable as they can sometimes jump.
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