Black Molly
Poecilia sphenops
Black Molly (Poecilia sphenops) is a freshwater and brackish-water species with an adult-size reference of about 8 cm. It needs at least 80 litres and 4 individuals, with its social and territorial profile taken into account.
Temperatura da água
22 - 28 °C
Valor de pH
7 - 8.5
Tipo de água
Água doce / Água salobra
Nível do tanque
Todos os níveis
Tamanho adulto
8 cm
Volume mínimo do tanque
>= 80 L
Grupo mínimo
>= 4
GH
10 - 30 dGH
KH
8 - 20 dKH
TDS
230 - 650 ppm
Condutividade
359 - 1.016 uS/cm
Descrição da espécie
Geographical Origin and Habitat: A freshwater and brackish-water species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Taxonomy and Morphology: The accepted scientific name is Poecilia sphenops; the verified classification records genus Poecilia, family Poeciliidae, subfamily Poeciliinae, order Cyprinodontiformes. Historical names remain searchable as synonyms rather than separate species.
Social Behavior: Black Molly should be kept with more females than males so courtship pressure is distributed. The minimum reference is 4 individuals; sex, maturity and available space can require a more conservative composition. Observe access to food, resting behaviour, chasing and use of shelter. Isolation, persistent competition or aggression means the number, composition or environment needs to be corrected.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Colour and shape can vary with age, sex, physiological state and environmental conditions. Identification and sexing require recognized species-level characters; one appearance or photograph is not enough.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
Aquarium Setup: Black Molly needs an aquarium of at least 80 litres, sized for adult body size and a minimum group of 4 individuals. Filtration, shelter and swimming room must match the species and the actual number kept. Volume alone does not make an enclosure suitable: tank shape and length, usable area, oxygenation and the ability to separate territories must reflect adult behaviour.
Diet and Feeding: The recorded diet is omnivorous. Offer appropriately sized foods varied within that category, and adjust quantity and frequency from actual intake, body condition and leftovers. One food or a fixed schedule is not suitable for every age and situation.
Water Quality: Maintain stable, well-oxygenated water appropriate to a freshwater and brackish-water species; the card's reference values are 22–28 °C, pH 7–8.5. Verify conditions with reliable tests and size maintenance and filtration to the actual load. Ranges are not automatic thresholds for treatment or rapid chemical correction.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: The cohabitation profile is suitable for a compatible community, with a generally peaceful temperament. Keep at least 4 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
Aquarium Breeding: The recorded reproductive profile is “viviparity”. Breeding should be attempted only with healthy adults, separation capacity and a plan for eggs or young. Do not treat unverified triggers, sex ratios or hatch times as universal for this species.
Risks and Diseases: Prevent problems through quarantine of new arrivals, stable water, appropriate feeding and daily observation. Similar signs can have different causes, so check parameters, history and diagnosis before medication. Follow the product label and qualified aquatic-veterinary advice; there is no universal reduced dose for a species or family.
Origem e distribuição geográfica
A freshwater and brackish-water species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Origem
Extra-Amazônica América do SulAmérica Central e Caribe
Perfil de peixe
- Temperamento
- Peaceful
- Black Molly has a generally peaceful temperament. Insufficient space, an unsuitable social ratio or incompatible tankmates can substantially change observed behaviour.
- Dieta
- Omnivore
- As omnivores with an inclination towards herbivory, a large portion of their diet should consist of vegetable matter. High-quality spirulina flakes or algae wafers are excellent staple choices. They will also eagerly consume live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. Offering blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach provides valuable roughage. A diet rich in plant matter prevents digestive blockages and promotes vibrant health.
- Expectativa de vida
- 3-5 years
- Tamanho adulto
- 8 cm
- Proporção sexual
- Specific M:F ratio
- Black Molly should be kept with more females than males so courtship pressure is distributed. The reference minimum is 4 individuals and must not be read as permission to overcrowd the aquarium.
- Frequência de alimentação
- Twice daily
- Feeding them two to three times a day in small portions is the ideal approach. This frequent feeding schedule caters to their highly active metabolism and continuous foraging nature. Ensure each meal is small enough to be entirely consumed within a few minutes. Overfeeding can lead to rapid water degradation given their higher bioload. Offering a variety of foods across these feedings ensures comprehensive nutrition.
- Carga biológica
- Medium
- They produce a moderate to high bioload, especially when compared to smaller livebearers. This is due to their relatively robust size and hearty appetite. Efficient filtration and regular water changes are crucial to process their waste effectively. Inadequate tank maintenance can lead to a quick buildup of harmful nitrates. Monitoring their population size is also important, as their breeding can compound the bioload significantly.
- Fluxo
- Strong
- They are adaptable but generally prefer a moderate water flow in the aquarium. A flow that provides good water circulation without pushing them around is perfect. Adequate water movement also helps in maintaining high oxygenation levels, which they appreciate. Powerheads can be used, but areas of calmer water should be available for resting. In larger tanks, a robust filtration system naturally creates an ideal flow dynamic.
- Risco de salto
- No
- Reprodução
- Viviparous
- They are prolific livebearers, meaning the females give birth to fully formed, free-swimming fry. Breeding requires virtually no effort if both sexes are present in appropriate water conditions. A single mating can result in several consecutive broods, as females can store sperm. The fry are relatively large compared to other livebearers and can eat crushed flakes immediately. Heavy planting is recommended to provide the fry with shelter from predatory adults.
- Compatibilidade e companheiros de tanque
- Community
- The cohabitation profile is suitable for a compatible community, with a generally peaceful temperament. Keep at least 4 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
- Nível do tanque
- All levels
- They are highly active and will readily explore every level of the aquarium. However, they spend a considerable amount of time in the middle and upper levels of the water column. They are particularly active near the surface during feeding time, eagerly anticipating food. Providing open swimming areas in the middle layers is beneficial for their energetic nature. Their constant movement throughout the tank makes them an excellent display fish.
Modelos e parâmetros científicos
FishBase
Acesso aos dados científicos oficiais da espécie
FishBase v25.04Dados sincronizados em: 15/06/2026
- Nível trófico
- 3 ± 0,34 se
- Resiliência
- Alta (menos de 15 meses)
- Unicidade filogenética (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relação bayesiana comprimento-peso
- a = 0.01514, b = 3.12
- VulnerabilidadeVulnerabilidade baixa (10 / 100)
Galeria de imagens
Imagens licenciadas vinculadas à espécie ou, quando marcadas, ao táxon representativo mais próximo.
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