Molly fish are popular aquarium fish that are easy to care for and breed.
Mollies are ornamental fish with over 50 different colors and patterns or body shapes. As an aquarium enthusiast, they’re one of my favorite fish species!
Rare Molly Fish Colors
Unique molly fish colors are blue, orange, gold, and dalmatian. You can purchase them on various websites and live fish stores.
Types of Molly Fish
There are more than 40 molly fish types present in the world. Below are some of the most famous species:
Gold Dust Molly
The gold dust molly has a golden yellow body with a black spotted tail. It is a hardy fish that thrives in freshwater and saltwater.
These brightly colored fish are peaceful and amiable. Their tank mates include Rainbow fish, Danios, Barbs, and Guppies.
N.B. Pairing them with midnight mollies makes them stand out even more.
Common Black Molly
Very few fish possess the color black and black molly fish is one of them. They develop black coloration due to excessive melanin.
Native to the tropical rivers of South and Central America, these molly fish prefer aquariums with carefully monitored waters.
Midnight mollies have a pure velvety black tone. However, they also exhibit gold, silver, or orange highlights on their fins and tails. These species look attractive with light colored fish or plants in the tank.
Dalmatian Molly Fish
Like a Dalmatian dog, dalmatian mollies feature a white body with black spots. This hybrid molly grows up to 4 inches. If you want to pet them, use a 20-gallon tank.
Being a fun-loving creature, a short-finned molly enjoys in plant-filled aquariums and streams. However, these species are susceptible to shimmies, so make sure to check the water condition frequently.
In addition to other colorful similar sized fish mollies, they can co-exist with other fish like Guppies, Platys, Swordtails.
Liberty Molly
Liberty mollies have bright silver bodies spotted with blue and orange. They are native to EI Salvador and have bright variations between males and female appearances.
It has a wide dorsal fin similar to that of Poecilia latipinna. Molly fish can grow up to 3 inches long.
Liberty molly fish can be aggressive toward other tank mates. I suggest keeping a ratio of 1 male to 2 females.
These beautiful fish can also jump. Ensure that your aquarium is covered from the top at all times!
Dalmatian Lyretail Molly
Dalmatian lyretail mollies have a small stature, red-tipped fins, and are whiter than the dalmatian molly.
It is a selectively bred fish with a unique lyretail body and hints of marble color. It is an optimal fish for beginners and fish enthusiasts. It can grow to a maximum size of 3 inches.
Although Dalmatian lyretail fish are peaceful, they can show aggression when provoked.
Balloon Molly Fish
Unlike other common molly fish, balloon mollies have rounded bellies and arched backs. These species are available in silver, white, orange, yellow, and black colors.
Balloon fish are slow swimmers. When you add some tank mates in the aquarium, ensure that their speeds are moderate.
Balloon fish are social, schooling fish that require at least 30 gallons of water, an excellent filtration system, and plenty of plants to nibble on or hide from predators.
Platinum Lyretail Molly
Platinum lyretail molly fish is a rare species that’s harder to breed than other mollies. It has a silvery appearance with shimmering scales over its body.
Platinum molly fish comes with a forked tail that helps in attaining high speeds and quick maneuvering.
According to experts, platinum fish should be kept in a 30-gallon tank with gravel substrate, plants, and plenty of hiding spots. If you want to keep more than one molly, increase the tank size by 3 or 4 gallons.
Marble Lyretail Molly
This molly fish breed resembles Dalmatians in several ways, except it has a lyre-shaped tail with extensions.
The two filaments create a moon-like shape on its tails. Their black spots appear more prominent and darker than those of Dalmatians.
It’s a hardy fish that can live in various environments. It prefers water with a high salt content. Marble pet fish looks best in light-colored substrate.
White or Silver Molly
Having a shiny white or silver appearance, these species grow 4 inches in length. However, females can reach up to 5 inches.
Silver and white molly display unique fin and tail colors, making them distinctive among darker fish in the aquarium.
Mollies are peaceful fish; these creatures can coexist with other fish in the tank. However, males show aggression prior to mating.
Maintain a ratio of 2 females to 1 male in the fish tank.
Black Sailfin Molly
Black Sailfin Molly originated from Poecilia Sphenops, a breed that existed for many years. Also called midnight molly, it is a cross between two different types of mollies.
Black sailfins are more appealing than other mollies because of their blending characteristic. Although they look like the common black molly fish, they possess darker tones, long, flowing fins, and rounded tails.
Black sailfins can be aggressive at times. Avoid keeping them with non-aggressive tank mates.
N.B. Don’t keep black mollies with silver ones. The former species turn aggressive within minutes!
Harlequin Sailfin Molly
Harlequin Sailfin Molly is a hybrid species of sailfin molly. It is covered with white, black, and gold patches.
You can breed them in freshwater and marine environment. It can reach up to sizes of 6 inches.
Harlequin mollies require a balanced diet of plant and animal-based foods, such as fish flakes, pellets, frozen foods, and more. Feed them on time or else your live plants will get damaged in the aquarium!
Creamsicle Sailfin Lyretail Molly
Creamiscle Sailfin Molly resembles a Creamiscle, an orange- colored ice cream. Having a tangerine-colored body with a white underside, it becomes an instant attraction for the onlooker.
Creamsicles molly are active and friendly creatures: You’ll find them chasing their tank mates often. Some of its friends are Rosy Barb, Platies, and Swordtails.
These adaptable fish are ideal for fish enthusiasts and beginners. They can survive in moderately hard water with pH of 6.5 to 7.5.
Yucatan Molly Fish
Yucutan is one of the most popular natural molly fish species. These mollies come in silver, gray, or tan coloration.
This fish can grow up to 6 inches in length. Females, on the other hand, can extend up to 8 inches.
With males being more attractive than females, they offer a distinctive display called ‘flaring’ in the courtship process.
They spread their dorsal fins to showcase their beauty. Mollies chase and bully smaller fish, especially during the mating season.
Being omnivores, yucatan mollies feed on algae, insects, and crustaceans. Conversely, surface predatory fish prey on them.
Final Thoughts
Molly fish are a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts for their distinctive attributes: Variety of colors and patterns, ease of breeding, and high energy levels.
Mollies are peaceful and social fish. Keep all parameters in check, especially water and pH requirements and friendly mates. Fish care is an absolute necessity for them!
