The Common Molly is one of the most popular and hardy livebearer fish, known for its peaceful nature, adaptability, and ease of breeding. It comes in a variety of colors, but the most common is a silvery-gray to olive tone.
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The Common Molly is one of the most popular and hardy livebearer fish, known for its peaceful nature, adaptability, and ease of breeding. It comes in a variety of colors, but the most common is a silvery-gray to olive tone.
Typically silvery-gray or olive in color with a streamlined body. Males are slimmer with longer anal and dorsal fins, while females are larger and more rounded. Color variations may include hints of yellow or black depending on selective breeding.
3-5 years
Omnivorous; thrives on flakes, pellets, algae wafers, live or frozen foods, and enjoys vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or cucumber.
The Common Molly is an excellent all-around aquarium fish. It is hardy, adaptable, and perfect for beginners while still enjoyable for experienced aquarists. Their peaceful nature and ease of breeding make them a must-have for community setups.
Beginner
20 gallons
7.0–8.5
10–25 dGH
72–82°F (22–28°C)
3–4.5 inches
Guppies, Platies, Swordtails, Corydoras, peaceful Tetras, Snails, and Shrimp (with caution).
Large cichlids, aggressive fish, or fin-nippers such as Tiger Barbs.
Poecilia sphenops
Poeciliidae
Native to Central and South America, especially Mexico and Venezuela; now widely bred in aquariums worldwide.
Very social; enjoys groups of 3 or more and coexists well with peaceful community fish.
Feed 2–3 times daily with a mix of flakes, pellets, and vegetables. Supplement with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms for balanced nutrition.
Livebearer; females give birth to live fry every 4–6 weeks.
Like other livebearers, Common Mollies breed easily in captivity. Females give birth to 20–50 fry after a gestation period of 28–35 days. Fry should be separated or provided with dense plants to avoid predation. Fry feed well on infusoria, powdered fry foods, and baby brine shrimp.
pH: 7.0–8.5, Temperature: 72–82°F, Hardness: 10–25 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <20 ppm
Ich, fin rot, and fungal infections if water quality declines. Regular water changes and a varied diet prevent most issues.
Peaceful, active, and social; best kept in groups.
Active and curious swimmers that thrive in groups. Peaceful and social, they get along with other livebearers and small community fish. They often graze on algae and explore plants and decorations.
The Common Molly is a staple in the aquarium hobby, loved for its hardiness, adaptability, and peaceful temperament. They are ideal for beginners because they can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, including slightly brackish water. Common Mollies are prolific breeders, making them a great choice for aquarists interested in livebearer reproduction. Their calm behavior and algae-grazing habits also make them functional tank mates in a community aquarium. They bring constant activity to the tank while being very low-maintenance.