Molly (Poecilia sphenops)

Scientific name: Poecilia sphenops Valenciennes, 1846

Molly (Poecilia sphenops)

The Molly (Poecilia sphenops) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows to about 10 cm (3.9 in). It is easy to keep and peaceful and needs water at 21–26°C (70–79°F) and a pH of 7.5–8.2. Native range: Central and South America, Mexico to Colombia.

Molly care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Adult size
10 cm (3.9 in)
Temperature
21–26°C (70–79°F)
pH
7.5–8.2
Hardness
11–30 dGH (196–535 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts flakes, wafers, frozen foods and live foods.

Biology

Feeds on worms, crustaceans, insects, plant matter. The black variety (Black molly) is a very popular aquarium fish and is marketed throughout the world. In the aquarium it feeds on green algae and also readily accepts dried food. Minimum aquarium size 60 cm.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Poecilia sphenops
Family
Poeciliidae (Poeciliids)
Order
Cyprinodontiformes (Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
6.0
Common length
4.0
Environment
Freshwater; brackish;; pH range: 7.5 - 8.2; dH range: 11 - 30 benthopelagic; non-migratory
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Central and South America: Mexico to Colombia. Often confused with Poecilia mexicana.
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: highly commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tm

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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