Types of Mollies

Mollies are beautiful creatures with interesting color combination. However, there exist various types of mollies.

Molly is a family, which consists of various species. They are genetically linked to three major species. Which are, short-finned molly, sailfin molly, and Yucatan lyretail molly. Moreover, this classification is based on their body shape, coloration, and fin configuration.

Although there exist similar characteristics among every member of mollies family. Each species still possesses their unique trait. However, this article will provide details on the common type of mollies.

Ten Common Types of Mollies Include;

1. Common Black Molly

Common black Mollies are a variety of fish that are known for their distinct black colored scales. They exist majorly in pure velvety black color. Although, just a few of them have golden and silver patches on them. Also, these are peaceful mollies that thrive in a community tank. Especially when the tank is large and spacious to enable free movement. However, if you will be keeping them in a community tank, breed fish that have similar personalities with mollies.

Moreover, mollies are omnivorous, as they feed on plant sources. You can feed them with freeze-dried blood worms, tubifex, flies, brine shrimp. Also, they have a strong appetite. And they are always ready to eat almost everything you offer them. However, you need to be watchful, and avoid overfeeding your fish. Black mollies are very suited in a community tan. As they are peaceful, and can withstand other peaceful fish. Also, these fish can also withstand hard water. Moreso, plants that are good for black mollies include, Sagittaria, Java fern, Anubias, and Vallisneria. Besides, they had their origin from Singapore, as farm-raised mollies. And they are very easy to keep by a beginner. Their requirement and trait include;

• Maximum Size: 3 Inches
• Water Temperature: 75-80 degree Fahrenheit
• Water PH: 7.0-7.5
• Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons

2. Dalmation Molly Fish

The Dalmation molly is a family of Poecilia latipinna, and they are also called Marbled molly or sailfin molly. They are an interesting species of Molly fish. Usually, they are often patterned in black and white scales. This is also the same color combination you will see in the dalmatian dog. However, they are quite bigger than the common black molly in size. As they grow up to an average of 5 inches. Moreover, just like many other mollies, they require a very spacious tank with big swimming space. Also, they need live plants, and well-oxygenated water. More so, ensure you set up the filter and heater in the tank. This is to maintain the water at its optimum level. This applies to another type of mollies. They can also be easy to raise for a beginner.

You need to bear in mind that dalmations need a good filtration system because they have hearty appetites. This may cause a lot of mess into the tank. Moreover, if you can properly acclimate dalmation mollies, they can survive in both saltwater and freshwater aquariums. However, to maintain optimum health in a freshwater aquarium, make sure you add one teaspoon of salt per gallon. More so, dalmation mollies love to play around. And they hide away from predators in their tanks. Make sure you have a thickly layered plant at the corner of the tank. As, this will serve as hiding spots, that is useful in rearing fry. Unlike black mollies, dalmations have a larger dorsal fin. But they also have pointed anal fin as black mollies.

 Their requirement and trait include;

• Maximum Size: 4.5 Inches
• Water Temperature: 75-80 degree Fahrenheit
• Water PH: 7.0-7.8
• Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons

3. Black Sailfin Molly

Black sailfins are a member of the family Poecilia latipinna. Generally, mollies have long and beautiful flowing fins. They are also called great sailfin, Mexican sailfin, or simply sailfin molly. However, make sure you select their tank mates carefully. And avoid keeping them with fin-keepers, to avoid any harm being done to them. Moreover, we recommend tailfins for beginners. As they are easy to keep and care for. Also, ensure you keep certain requirements. such as well-oxygenated tank water, suitable water temperature, and a large and spacious tank. However, when you add live plants in the tank, and set up a filter and heater. It will ease your tank maintenance.

Black sailfins are peaceful species that can stay in the same tank with other peaceful species. And they thrive best in hard water with high salt levels. Also, you should put them in a community tank with one male and several females. Moreover, both mollies gender possesses a round anal fin, while only the male gender has a more pointed anal fin and a tall dorsal fin. Ensure you light up your aquarium well, and place plants at each corner of the aquarium. However, make sure you use plants that can withstand little quantity of salt, such as, Java moss, and Java fern. The black sail is omnivores. So, feed them with a highly rich diet. Such as algae wafers, flakes food, and herbivores food. You can feed them with freeze-dried, live or frozen meaty foods like bloodworms, and brine shrimp.

Black Sailfin tank requirement and trait include;

• Maximum Size: 4 inches
• Water Temperature: 75-82 degree Fahrenheit
• Water PH: 7.0-8.0
• Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons
• Average Size: 1.5-2.5 inches

4. Balloon Molly

Balloon mollies belong to the family “Poecilia latipinna”. They have a form of a large rounded belly, and an arched back. These mollies are named “balloon fish”, because of their bell-shaped bodies. They are best kept with fish of similar temperaments and requirements. Mollies are beautiful fish that are well known for the varieties of color and a lyre-shaped caudal fin. Also, they exist as white, yellow, and black color combinations. However, the lyre-shaped caudal fin is usually larger on males, than those I’m females. Moreover, ensure you place tricky plants in the aquarium tank, and also feed them with enough meaty foods and algae. You need to make sure their fish tank is covered with strong aquatic plants, such as anubias, and java fern. Ensure to place a good filtration system in the tank.

Just like most mollies, they have hearty appetites. That is, they can eat almost everything you feed them. However, this creates a mess in the aquarium tank. But with a suitable filtration system the tank, it will be easy to clean up the tank. Also, they are omnivores, you should feed them with meaty, and high-quality algae foods. Such as, tubifex, flakes, freeze-dried bloodworms, and brine shrimp.

 Usually, mollies lack parental care, as they tend to feed on their babies after birth. Sometimes, it may be the mother herself, or other tank mates. Ensure the fry grows to adulthood. Separate them from a community tank, and breed them until they are big enough not to fit into the adult’s mouth.

Their tank requirement and traits include;

• Maximum Size: 3 inches
• Water Temperature: 75-82 degree Fahrenheit
• Water PH: 7.0-7.8
• Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons

5. Gold Dust Molly

Gold dust mollies belong to the family of “Poecilia sphenops“. Also, they are a variety of short-finned mollies. Sometimes, gold dust are also referred to as gold panda molly. They are an excellent choice for aquarists who love to keep black molly, but are giving it a second thought based on their color. Gold dust is the best alternative for black mollies in your aquarium tank. Moreover, they will spice up your tank with the color brightness you desire. Gold dust has an interesting color combination of both black, and dusty gold. Also, they are popularly known as the short-finned variety.

You can differentiate the male from the female gender with their physical appearance. Usually, the males appear to be slender than the females, while the females are full in size. The females also develop a pregnancy spot while adulting. Gold dust mollies require alkaline and hard water conditions. Moreover, you can breed gold dust in a community tank. As they are peaceful species, and they are compatible with other large and peaceful fish. Just like other mollies, they are also omnivorous species. They require adequate space to freely move around. And hiding spots to save themselves from predators. Gold dust mollies are lovers of algae. You should expect them to help in keeping your aquarium clean. Also, provide a good filtration system to help clean up microorganisms that might be a threat to the fish life.

Their tank requirements and traits include;

• Maximum Size: 5 inches
• Water Temperature: 75-82 degree Fahrenheit
• Water PH: 7.0-8.0
• Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons

6. Golden Sailfin Molly

Golden sailfin mollies are suitable in a community tank with other fish that can survive hard water. Moreover, they require a large aquarium, as they grow quite larger. As compared to other species of mollies. That is, they grow up to 6 inches in length. Also, they love having heavy plants in their aquarium. They can eat the algae on the plants. However, golden sailfins are omnivores, as they tend to feed on diets that are rich in plant material. More so, you can archive this by serving them algae wafers. They have a golden and orange colored pattern.

To ensure that they have proper oxygen intake, and reach maximum growth, make sure to provide at least 30 gallons’ size. You can feed them with algae-based flake food, tubifex, mosquito larvae, freeze-dried bloodworms, and brine shrimp. However, golden sailfin is popularly known for their prolific breeding. While spawning within a space of 45 to 60 days. Generally, they are a great choice for the novice who is looking for starter fish. They have active swimming exhibition, alongside striking colors. Golden sailfins thrive best in a tropical aquarium with hard water and a lot of plants. Whereby, you should endeavor to add a teaspoon of aquarium salt per gallon of water. As it helps prevent the fish from contracting diseases. You should separate male and female golden tailfins. This is to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Their tank requirements and traits include;

• Maximum Size: 6 inches
• Water Temperature: 75-80 degree Fahrenheit
• Water PH: 7.0-8.0
• Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons

7. Black Lyretail Molly

Black Lyretail Mollies are in the same family as black sailfin. That is, they belong to the group, “Poecilia latipinna”. Also, they are widely kept by many beginners, as they easily adapt to varieties of salt levels in aquariums.

Black lyretail mollies are a hybrid variation of the sailfin family. They possess black scales with white spots on their fins and a lyre-shaped caudal fin. Mollies are peaceful and friendly fish that you can keep in a community tank. However, make sure you keep them with fish that are similar in size and can survive in the same water condition. You can all maintain black lyretail mollies in both saltwater and freshwater fish tank. This can be achieved by gradually acclimating them. That said, add live plants such as java fern or sagittaria in your aquarium tank. Make sure you leave enough space for them to freely swim around. Also, provide a good filtration syste. As black lyretail releases many bio loads due to their hearty eating habit.

Their tank requirements and traits include;

• Maximum Size: 5 inches
• Water Temperature: 75-82 degree Fahrenheit
• Water PH: 7.0-7.8
• Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons

8. Marble Lyretail Molly

The marble lyretail mollies are popularly known for their unique black and white shade. Which is similar to dalmatian. Sometimes, they are called other names such as, Giant Lyretail Molly, Mexican Lyretail Molly, Yucatan Molly, or simply put as Lyretail Molly. Also, lyretail are a color variety of the group, “Poecilia sphenops”. They prefer hard and alkaline water conditions. Lyretail are equally sensitive to both acidic and soft water. As mollies can thrive in a reasonably high salt water level. Add a teaspoon of salt per gallon water to the aquarium tank. Like other mollies, marble lyretail is omnivores.

Also, they love to eat meaty foods and algae. Brine shrimp and freeze-dried blood worms are a good choice for occasional treats. Moreover, you should provide plenty of swimming space. As it will enhance the growth of the male’s tall dorsal fin.

Their tank requirements and traits include;

• Maximum Size: 5 inches
• Water Temperature: 75-82 degree Fahrenheit
• Water PH: 7.0-8.0
• Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons

9. White Sailfin Molly

The white sailfin molly is also referred to as a silver sail in Molly. They are characterized by their beautifully long fins and silvery scales. However, you can distinguish the sexes by using their body size and color combination. Usually, females often grow heavier and larger than the male gender. The males often display turquoise markings on their caudal fins and orange markings in their dorsal region.

Their tank requirement and trait include:

• Maximum Size: 5 inches
• Water Temperature: 75-82 degree Fahrenheit
• Water PH: 7.0-8.0
• Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons

10. Platinum Lyretail Molly

Platinum lyretail molly is also called the Mexican lyretail, Yucatan molly, giant molly, or simply lyretail molly. Lyretail molly belongs to the family, poecilia velifera. Also, they are peaceful species and prefer to stay in hard water. Usually, they exist in platinum or gold color. Like most mollies, lyretails can adapt to various habitat conditions. That is, they can either live in a saltwater or freshwater fish tank. Providing a layer of the thick plant will serve as a hiding place for timid mollies, and young fry.

Although, lyretail mollies are peaceful fish, but make sure you keep them compatible species, that won them out.  Also, they are omnivorous, as they feed on plant matter and meaty foods. You can feed them with tubifex, freeze-dried bloodworms, and brine shrimp. Moreover, lyretail mollies feed on algae that n the tank plants. So, the can also help in cleaning your aquarium tank.

Their tank requirement and trait include:

• Maximum Size: 5 inches
• Water Temperature: 75-82 degree Fahrenheit
• Water PH: 7.0-7.8
• Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons

Conclusion

There are plenty of varieties of molly fish that exist. But each has a similar personality and trait as others.  The notable differences are either in the body shape, color or fin configuration. However, female mollies are more peaceful than male mollies. This is not to say male mollies are very aggressive, just that one gender is calmer than the other.