Molly Fish: A Novice's Guide to These Graceful Aquatic Companions

The Molly fish is favourite among aquarists around the globe. Known for their versatility, grace, and a wide range of colours, Mollies are a delightful addition to the home aquarium. So, let's get started on your journey with Mollies.

Setting Up Molly Haven:

Mollies are moderately sized fish that appreciate some space. A minimum of a 75-litre tank is suitable for a small group of Mollies, but if you can provide a larger tank, they'll enjoy the extra room to swim.

Mollies are active swimmers and appreciate a mix of open spaces and planted areas. Incorporating live plants, like Amazon Swords or Java Ferns, will provide shelter and contribute to a natural environment. Hiding spots created with rocks or driftwood are also beneficial.

Ideal Water Parameters:

Mollies are hardy fish and can adapt to a variety of water conditions. However, they thrive best in the following parameters:

• Temperature: Keep your Mollies comfortable between 22-28 degrees Celsius.
• pH: They prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH range between 7.5 and 8.5.
• Hardness: Mollies prefer hard water, so aim for a general hardness (GH) above 10 dGH.

Remember to test the water regularly with a reliable water test kit to ensure these parameters are maintained.

Feeding Your Mollies:

Mollies are omnivores, so a balanced diet of plant-based and protein-rich foods is key. High-quality flake or pellet food should be the staple of their diet, supplemented with occasional feedings of live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or bloodworms.

Feeding amounts should be only as much as they can consume in a few minutes to avoid leftover food decaying in the tank. We recommend the Ultra Fresh Tropical Excellent Bits.

Choosing Molly Tank Mates:

Mollies are generally peaceful and can coexist with a variety of similarly sized, non-aggressive fish. Good companions can include Platies, Swordtails, Guppies, and smaller peaceful Tetras. Be wary of aggressive or fin-nipping fish which can stress your Mollies.

A Note on Breeding:

Mollies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live fry rather than laying eggs. If you keep males and females together, you may soon see a population boom in your tank. If you're not ready for the extra responsibility of caring for the fry, consider keeping only one sex in your tank.

In conclusion, Mollies are fantastic fish for both novice and experienced aquarists due to their hardy nature, active behaviour, and vibrant colour variations. They add a unique charm to any tank they inhabit. Dive into this exciting aquarist journey with Mollies, and enjoy the splash of colour they bring to your underwater world!