Are Black Mollies Aggressive?

Despite the unique character black mollies possess, some have argued they are aggressive, while others oppose this. However, some research have been carried out to determine if they are truly aggressive or not.

So, are black mollies aggressive? Black mollies are not as aggressive as the majority have described them to be. Moreover, they are indeed a beautiful creature with a unique trait.

Aside from the aggressive nature of black mollies that has been a point of argument for many aquarists, a lot of people also wonder about their naturally unique trait.

Black Mollies – A Unique Specie In The Mollies Family

In past years, mollies have been interbred to produce varieties of species with diverse color and shape. Now, there exist the solid black molly, which possesses the sailfin, with both saphenous and orange-bordered dorsal fin. Also, black mollies are generally known for their distinct black color.

However, various common mollies species exist. In case you’ve ever wondered what specialty the black molly has, which makes it a unique type of molly.

However, there are several black aquarium fish that can be found, but no freshwater fish has similar characteristics to the velvety black texture of black molly. Little wonder why many fish keepers don’t hesitate to have a black molly in their home aquarium.

Black Mollies Nature

Black Mollies are generally reserved and easy to keep with few or no complications. However, it has been revealed that black mollies exhibit aggressive traits in some unpleasant situations. Which may be due to one or more of the following;

• Black Mollies Sexes: More than setting a tank for your black mollies, it is important to put into consideration their sex ratio, especially if they were obtained solely for the purpose of breeding. However, black mollies generally make up a peaceful community, but when multiple males are in a tank, they become more aggressive, as they fight for their territory. Moreover, if male mollies are more than female mollies in a tank, the females are usually harassed.

• For safety, three females to each male is a good strategy in keeping your fish safe. Actually, male mollies are usually aggressive, so having the females more than them will help divide the males’ attention. Moreover, if the attention is just on one female, she may eventually be stressed out, and loss appetite, which in turn leads to death.

• Tank condition: Black mollies thrive well in an appropriate living condition. Also, with the right living condition, their lifespan is strengthened. Although black mollies have the ability to survive in any water condition. But contrary to popular belief, they thrive better in freshwater tanks than brackish waters.

Other Measures to Observe;

Apart from the aggressive trait of male black mollies that they exhibit against same-sex for space dominance. Also, the aggression they display towards female mollies for mating, there are other measures that aquarists need to put in place;

• Mollies love tanks with large spaces that allow them to flow freely. Also, 20 gallons should be the minimum tank size that accommodates your molly fish. However, the tank size may vary, depending on the number of fish. It can be a small size of 20 gallons, or as large as a 45-gallon tank.

• You should ensure to regulate the tank at the required PH and temperature. Also, you should keep your mollies in tank water that is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and a PH between 7.5 and 8.

• Black Mollies are very sensitive to change in water conditions. So, it is better to ensure that you keep the water temperature and PH at consistent values.

• Moreover, you should have adequate live plants in the fish aquarium. Also, live plants will serve as hiding ways for the fry, and it will make the adult black mollies more comfortable. Moreover, black mollies are known for feeding on their fry, but the presence of live plant will limit the damage that can occur to the fry.

Most live plants will work well. Also, if you are uncertain about getting appropriate live plants, here are some live plants you may want to consider. These include Amazon Sword, Hygrophila, Java Ferns, and Java Moss.

How to Fix Aggression Between Mollies?

If two molly fish are fighting and chasing each other in a tank, the fish keeper needs to be careful, as one of them may eventually wear out and die. However, to ensure your fish stay alive, you need to watch their behavior closely.

Here are ways you can limit the chase and fight between Mollies;

1. The basic step is removing the aggressive fish from the tank and placing it in a separate tank.

2. Another thing you can do is to provide more hiding spots for the less aggressive fish to hide. Moreover, these hiding spots may include, caves and fake plants. Sometimes, rearranging the tank decoration may also help.

Fun Facts About Black Mollies

Black mollies live in both fresh and brackish water. But the interesting part of it is, you can also find them in oceans, full saltwater, and off the Florida Keys. Also, a lot of snorkelers have observed playful black Mollies in full saltwater. However, they are available as snacks for natural saltwater fish, so you may not see them in large quantities.

Black Mollies are also useful to initiate the flow of nitrogen cycle in an aquarium. Also, a lot of saltwater hobbyists have used black molly as a starter in aquariums for nitrogen cycle circulation.

Related Questions

There are other related questions that many people have always seem to inquire answers for, concerning black mollies. Some of these questions include;

What Suitable Tank Mates Can I Keep with Black Mollies?

Black mollies are peaceful species that can live with most fish in a community tank. Some of the fish that you can successfully keep with a black molly include Danios, female betta fish, Guppies, Platies, Swordtails, Gouramis, Tetras, and other species of mollies.

What Do I Do When an Aggressive Black Molly Suddenly Becomes Inactive?

As much as a molly should be well reserved, to protect other fish from danger, it is important to be more observant about any behavioral change. Also, some mollies by nature are naturally aggressive, if this type of black molly suddenly becomes dull, there is a need to watch out for unfavorable situations that may have occurred.

In most cases, black mollies are prone to develop an ailment called ” shimmies”. However, there is no need to fear, as it’s often a result of stress. Moreover, this requires a hygienic space and appropriate tank condition.

Are Black Mollies Related to Guppies?

Many people suspects that a guppy will successfully inbreed with a molly under certain circumstances. Thus, their close relationship has been confirmed.

Moreover, the name “Mollie” was derived from the genus Mollienesia, which has been re-named and classified as Poecilia. Therefore, you can classify them to be in the same genus as Guppies.

In conclusion, many aquarists bothers if black mollies are aggressive or not, especially when they need to keep mollies in a community tank. Also, black mollies exhibit peaceful traits, except in some cases as stated above. Such as, aggression from adult black mollies toward their fry, male mollies aggression against each other for dominance, and male molly aggressive display towards a female molly for mating purpose.