Last Updated on November 4, 2023 by Fumipets
10 Popular Types of Molly Fish; Colors, Species & Tails
Molly fish, often sought after for their vibrant colors and easy care, come in various popular types, each with its unique characteristics and appearances. Understanding these different types allows aquarium enthusiasts to choose the perfect Molly fish for their tanks, catering to their specific preferences and needs.
Types of Molly Fish
Which breed should you pick for your aquarium’s molly fish population? There is a high likelihood that you will discover a Molly breed that is appropriate for your aquarium since they are robust fish that can survive in a variety of habitats. Before you buy a certain breed, however, you need make sure you can meet their unique requirements.
To help you decide whether they are suitable for your house, we have picked 10 of the most popular types of Molly fish that are often seen in aquariums across the globe. We will show you how they appear and respond to some of your inquiries. To assist you in making a wise purchase, join us as we explore tank size, color choices, hardiness, aggressiveness, and more.
The 10 Types of Molly Fish
1. Balloon Belly Molly
Balloon Belly Molly’s name comes from their distinctive form, which gives the impression that they are overweight. They come in white, black, and yellow, and their rear fin is formed like a lyre. Friendly breed Balloon Belly Molly enjoys the company of fish of similar sizes. Even though it only gets to be around 3 inches long, it still demands an aquarium that holds more than 30 gallons.
2. Black Molly
The Black Molly, commonly referred to as the Common Black Molly, is a tough fish that is suitable for novice anglers. It loves a tank that is bigger than 30 gallons and thrives in water that is between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. When you maintain the pH between 7 and 7.8, it tastes like black molly. The Black Molly is a calm species that often won’t engage in conflict with other fish and reaches a maximum length of 3 inches. These fish have predominantly black scales, however they sometimes have patches all over their body that are a different color.
3. Black Sailfin Molly
The Black Sailfin Molly is a stunning fish with long, flowing fins that is darker than the common Black Molly. Although it is a calm breed, you must take care to keep them away from fish that bite their fins since they will become a target. Black Sailfins may grow to a length of four inches and are a resilient breed ideal for beginners. They are happy to live in a 30-gallon tank and enjoy having plenty of areas to explore despite their somewhat greater size.
4. Black Lyretail Molly
Another black molly is the Black Lyretail Molly, which is also extremely dark and has entirely black scales, similar to the Black Sailfin Molly but with some white flashes on the fins. This Molly breed is one of the bigger ones available and is simple to care for. It grows to a height of around five inches. You should keep this calm fish in aquariums with fish of comparable sizes since it seldom becomes hostile against other fish. The Black Lyretail Molly is quite resilient. It can live well in a pH range of 7 to 8, and it can withstand a broad variety of temperatures.
5. Creamsicle Sailfin Lyretail Molly
With white on the bottom and gold on top, the Creamsicle Sailfin Lyretail Molly resembles a creamsicle ice cream. It is calm and willing to share the aquarium with other fish because of its big, orange fins that have speckles. This breed is excellent for beginners since it has a pleasing appearance and is not picky about pH or water temperature.
6. Dalmation Molly
Another breed that is ideal for newcomers learning the ropes is the Dalmation Molly. Because water is not too difficult to maintain within the 68-82 degree temperature parameters, it is quite robust and may survive for quite a long in water outside the optimal temperature or pH range. The water’s pH should be between 7 and 7.8. The Dalmation Molly may grow to about five inches and thrives best in aquariums bigger than 30 gallons. They are typically calm and won’t attack unless threatened. The name of this fish comes from how much its black-and-white patterns resemble those of a Dalmatian dog.
7. Dalmation Lyretail Molly
The second fish on our list with a black and white color scheme that resembles a Dalmation dog is the Dalmatian Lyretail Molly. In comparison to the typical Dalmatian Molly, this type is often paler in color with tiny black spots and smaller, sometimes only growing to a height of three inches. They want an aquarium that is bigger than 30 gallons, are resilient, and are advised for beginners. They are gentle fish that only become hostile when attacked, like many other breeds.
8. Gold Doubloon Molly
The Gold Doubloon Molly stands out in any tank with her vivid yellow and black color pattern. Although it has small fins, it needs a lot of swimming room, thus an aquarium with a capacity of more than 30 gallons is advised. It may grow to be five inches long and is a robust fish that thrives in a variety of conditions.
9. Golden Sailfin Molly
The colorful fish known as the Golden Sailfin Molly prefers aquariums with hard water. They are one of the largest mollies, as their name implies, and are brilliant gold in color. When fully grown, they may grow to be 6 inches long. They are a sturdy species that can tolerate temperature fluctuations, but to have enough space to swim freely, they need a tank that is more than 30 gallons.
10. Gold Dust Molly
The Back Molly and Gold Dust Molly are quite similar, however the Gold Dust Molly has a deeper golden hue. For those who like an aquarium with more color, these fish are fantastic. Short-finned Gold Dust Mollys have black and gold scales. The pregnant spot appears in the color of the female, which is bigger than the males. This type prefers a tank that is at least 30 gallons in size and can grow up to five inches long.
Conclusion
The majority of Molly breeds are quite resilient and thrive in any aquarium. The sole prerequisite is a large tank, often exceeding 30 gallons. Although the tank should have enough of space for swimming as well as foliage, stones, and other objects for hiding behind. Make sure that any other fish you have in the aquarium can survive the extra salt if you have any kinds that call for you to add a little bit of salt to the water.
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Questions and Answers:
What are the popular types of Molly fish?
Some popular types of Molly fish include the Sailfin Molly, Balloon Molly, Dalmatian Molly, Black Molly, and Lyretail Molly. Each type exhibits distinct features, such as fin shapes, colors, and patterns.
What distinguishes the Sailfin Molly from other types?
The Sailfin Molly is known for its impressive, sail-like dorsal fin. These Mollies come in various colors, making them visually striking additions to aquariums.
What makes the Balloon Molly unique?
Balloon Molly fish are recognized for their rounded, balloon-like bodies. They have a playful appearance due to their modified body shape, making them a favorite among hobbyists.
Tell me about the Dalmatian Molly’s distinctive trait.
Dalmatian Mollies stand out with their black and white spots, resembling the famous Dalmatian dog coat pattern. These eye-catching spots make them a popular choice for those seeking visually appealing fish.
Are there any care differences among these Molly types?
While the care requirements for Molly fish types are generally similar, variations in water temperature, pH levels, and diet preferences may exist. It’s crucial to research and cater to the specific needs of the chosen Molly type to ensure their well-being and health in your aquarium.
Understanding the popular types of Molly fish empowers aquarium enthusiasts to make informed choices when selecting these attractive and diverse fish for their tanks. Each type has its unique charm, making them a versatile and engaging addition to any aquatic environment.
