Description
Overview
The Balloon Molly is a variation of the Poecilia latipinna, Molly. They are a peaceful fish and prefer hard water. Mollies have the ability to adapt to a variety of salt levels in the aquarium. With a gradual acclimation, these fish may be maintained in either a freshwater or saltwater aquarium. In the freshwater aquarium, a minimum of a teaspoon of aquarium salt per gallon is recommended for optimum health.
The Molly requires a tank of at least 30 gallons with algae and plenty of room to swim. The tall dorsal fin of the male will not develop if adequate room is not provided for him to swim. This species should only share a tank with other peaceful fish that prefer hard water with elevated salt levels.
The pointed anal fin and much larger dorsal fin on the male, and the rounded anal fin and pregnancy spot on the female differentiate the two. The Molly is a livebearer that requires a spawning box in a large 25 gallon, or larger breeding tank. The aquarium should be planted as densely as possible or have a thick algae mat. Having a group of floating plants in the corner of the aquarium will promote rearing outside of the breeding tank. Every 60-70 days the female will give birth to 10-60 young that are already approximately one-half inch long.
Care
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Colour Form: Gold
Diet: Omnivore
Max Size: 10cm
Family: Poeciliidae
Tank Size: 100L
Temperature: 23-30c
pH: 7.5-8.5