The black molly (Poecilia sphenops) and other mollies thrive when offered brackish water. In a freshwater aquarium, salt should be added to maintain the best condition.
If only a small amount of salt can be used the water should be hardened with
calcium carbonate powder for best fish health. Coral sand or marble chip will have the same water hardening benefits for the molly.
These mollies are generally black in colour with a soft velvet like appearance. Colour variations are available though they are often hybridisations between Poecilia sphenops and other molly varieties.
Fin variations such as those of the lyre tail molly were originally produced from the mating of black mollies with sailfin mollies.
Body variations such as the balloon molly are becoming popular, but the fry from such fish are often stillborn due to inbreeding.
As with other mollies, you should feed your black molly on a diet of
spirulina or other green food such as blanched spinach and squashed peas. A little protein food will ensure a balanced diet.
Tropical
pellets or bloodworms are often given to the black molly for this purpose.
Family - Poeciliidae
Size - 8-12 cm
Fish Origin - South America
Water - Add at least 1 teaspoon of salt per 3 litres of medium hard water
Temperature - 22-28°C
Feeding - Green food based diet, mainly algae in natural environment
Sexing - Male molly displays gonopodium and females generally larger
Breeding - The black molly is a livebearer
Aquarium - Keep in a community with other mollies or livebearers
Black Molly Community Aquarium
Black lyre tail mollies and other molly variations live together in a
planted aquarium.
Java fern and other
hard water tolerant species are perfect for such fish tanks.
Young Black Mollies
Sometimes black molly fry can grow to adult size along side their parent fish. Ensure the aquarium is well planted and feed it's inhabitants regularly. The mollies will grow faster in larger aquariums than these.
