Molly fish were named after their scientific name Mollienisia.  This fish is one of the popular species among aquarists all over the world. Molly is basically fall in the category of hardy species. Molly is a colorful species and it is easy to take care. If you have few basic ideas about molly, you can easily fit them into your aquarium. Warm aquarium water temperature is essential for their healthy lives. Few researches showed that under certain circumstances guppy can be interbreeding with molly. Close relationship between molly and guppy was confirmed genetically. Moreover, molly has long body and pointed head.

Tank:

Average size of molly lies between 4 inches to 6 inches. Since molly is a small species, a minimum 30 gallon tank is sufficient for their raising. If you are planning to other species along with molly, then you can think of a bigger tank like 55 gallon.

Colors:

There are several colors available in molly. You will find black, gold, yellow, blue, white, red and diamond colors in molly species.

Behavior:

Although male mollies are a bit aggressive during interaction with female mollies, generally they are peaceful fish. Female mollies like the large dorsal fins of the male. As female mollies like the large dorsal fins of male, they want to be more active in the tank. Mollies are social and they like to remain in group of 4-5 fish. Try to keep one male molly for 3-4 female.

Water Quality:

Proper filtration is essential to maintain a healthy water quality. Water circulation should be kept slow to moderate level. For any aquatic species, stable water condition is prerequisite for their good health. Mollies are accommodative to any condition. However, they like a bit warm water and neutral pH.  They do good in pure freshwater condition.  Molly prefers water temperature between 72°F to 80°F. pH level should be kept between 7.5 to 8.5.

Light and Filter:

Adequate and standard lighting is good for mollies. While raising mollies, you need not to be too much cautious about lighting levels. If you have any aquatic plants inside molly’s tank which require lighting, then lighting is important for you.

Molly requires strong filtration system. Molly produces too much waste which need to be filtrated to keep the water quality healthy.  Filter should have the capacity of holding biomedia to keep the water safe. You may use internal or external sponge filters also.

Feeding:

Plant based foods are top choices for molly. Most often you will find that molly is using its lip to mouth to eat something from rocks, woods and plants. They enjoy picking algae. They are not picky eaters. Quality flake food makes a good diet for molly. Occasionally, high protein diets are good for molly. Molly can eat live or frozen bloodworms and brine shrimps. Feed them twice or thrice a day and not more than 3 minutes each time.

Tank mates:

Mollies are social and they remain good in community tank. You can keep following fish along with molly:

       a. Guppy

       b. Tetra

       c. Platy

      d. Gourami

      e. Rainbowfish

      f. Danios

Tank Maintenance:

Weekly perform water testing for pH, ammonia and nitrate level.  Change 25% water each week. At least once in a month you should check the functionality of filter, light and heater. Trimming of plants depend on the growth of the plants.