Detailed Information About the Dalmation Molly Aquarium Fish

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Brief Overview

Like the Black Molly, the Dalmation Molly Tropical Aquarium Fish is a very popular livebearer. The Dalmation Molly has the same body type and habits at its black counterpart, but is spotted black and white much like (surprise, surprise) a Dalmation! Like Guppies, the Dalmation Molly Aquarium Fish can reproduce at a rapid rate. Dalmation Mollies are a hearty fish that can adapt to different levels of salinity. The uniform black and white coloration of this fish will stand in stark contrast to the rest of your home aquarium and will be quite beautiful. In a heavily planted aquarium Dalmation Mollies look fantastic against all the bright greens. They are best kept in schools of at the very least three and should be kept away from aggressive fish and fin nippers like Gouramis, or Angelfish. Some quality tank mates for Dalmation Mollies would be Guppies, Albino Corydora, or Black or Blue Neon Tetra.

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Detailed Wikipedia Information

Poecilia sphenops is a species of fish, of the genus Poecilia, known under the common name Molly. They inhabit fresh water streams, coastal brackish and marine waters of Mexico. The wild-type fish are a dull silvery color, often sprinkled black all over.

Contrary to popular belief that Dalmation Molly Tropical Aquarium Fish are a brackish water species that prefers some salt in their tank, this species of fish is actually a freshwater species spending little time in brackish water before swimming back to their freshwater bio-type. However, fish of the same species have been found in coastal sea waters, brackish swamps and freshwater streams happy and breeding. It appears Mollies are a hardy and highly adaptable species (this has been diluted over years of inter-breeding in tank-bred specimens).

Description

The Dalmation Molly Tropical Fish is one of the most well-known aquarium fishes and nearly as easy to keep and prolific as guppies (for optimal health and breeding success, they demand fresh vegetable food like algae). There are several other popular breeds, like the golden molly nicknamed "24 karat", or the Balloon Molly, which however has a deformed spine and a decreased lifespan due to the associated health problems. Also, breeds with altered caudal fin structures like lyretails exist. The wild form is in fact quite rarely kept, as it has a rather plain silvery coloration suffused with brown and green hues. If given good care with ample sunlight, high water temperatures and fresh vegetables, they will, however, prove charming fish whose diverse coloration compliments their lively behavior.

In the aquarium

A healthy school of Dalmation Mollies should be kept in a well planted tank of at least 20 gallons. They do prefer at least SOME aquarium salt, and will spend their time eating and picking at dead vegetable matter and algae. Be sure they have at least a couple of quality hiding places in case they get stressed or scared.

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