The Molly
an article submitted by Exotic Aquariums
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There are actually two different species of
fish that are collectively referred to as
mollies; Poecilia sphenops and Poecilia velifera.
Mollies are members of the familyPoecilidae which includes southern platyfish (
the plati) and
swordtails. They are native to the Americas. They can be found in the Southern U.S., Central and South America.
Mollies are often found along coastal waters. As costal dwellers, they prefer a small amount of salt in their
water. The standard recommendation ranges from one teaspoon to a tablespoon for every five gallons. Split the difference and play it safe. If you only have experience with freshwater
fish you should be aware of the fact that salt does not evaporate with the
water. You will only need to add more salt during
water changes. Iodized table salt can kill your
fish. Use only
aquarium salt. Interestingly enough,
mollies can be found for sale in both the fresh and
salt water sections of
fish stores.
Mollies can survive either or both if acclimated slowly to their new environment.
Mollies come in a variety of colors and body markings. The selective breeding of
mollies has yielded Sailfin, Balloon, and Lyertail varieties. Male
mollies have an enlarged dorsal fin and a modified anal fin known as a gonopodium. An adult
molly will grow to a length of about four inches.
Two species of
molly P. sulphuraria (the sulfur
molly) and P. latipunctata (spotted
mollies) are listed as critically endangered in the wild.
Mollies are mild mannered. They make good
community fish provide they are kept with species that are not adverse to a slightly salty environment.
Mollies enjoy heavily
planted aquariums. They like to hide in the
plants.
Despite the numerous locations they are native to,
mollies prefer slightly alkaline to neutral
water with a
temperature range between 77-83°F. They have a life expectancy of up to five years.
Mollies are omnivores, eating both
plant and meaty foods. They will readily eat flakes, freeze-dried, frozen, and
live foods. You should try to include some
plant matter into their
diet.
Breeding Mollies
Mollies are live bearing
fish. Males will often harass the females of their own species. To help insure a low incidence of domestic violence, it is best to keep two or three females for every male.
Mollies, like most live bearing
fish, are easy to spawn in captivity. Live bearing
fish engage in internal fertilization. The male uses his modified anal fin, the gonopodium, to inseminate the female. The gestation cycle is around 60 days. A typical brood rages from 20-50 fry.
Mollies will eat their fry. To avoid this, the adults must be removed from the breeding
tank after spawning. Or you can use a breeding trap. Breeding traps are frequently used when spawning live bearers. They are comprised of two compartments. Place the mother in the top compartment. The
fish will drop through to the bottom compartment. Remove both adults and release the fry into the breeding
tank. Breeding traps are inexpensive and can be purchased at most
fish stores.
Baby
mollies can be
feed newly hatched
brine shrimp, or powdered fry
food. An economical alternative is powdered eggs.
Pictures
(Short finned molly - Poecilia sphenops)
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The Molly
has been viewed times since June 30, 2009.
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