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Black Molly Care Guide: Breeding, Tank Setup, and Tips for a Happy Fish

Black molly, picture 1 Black molly, picture 2 Black molly, picture 3 Black molly, picture 4 Black molly, picture 5 Black molly, picture 6 Black molly, picture 7

Brief Description

This page is dedicated to caring for Black Mollies in aquariums, featuring pictures, FAQs, and answers to common questions from fish keepers. You’re invited to share your experiences using the form at the bottom of this page - we’d love to hear your Molly stories! We also offer other pages on Mollies you might find helpful: Mollies - Care, Species and More, Poecilia sphenops (Short-Finned Molly), Poecilia latipinna (Sailfin Molly), Poecilia caucana (South American Molly).

Introduction

The Black Molly, also called the Midnight Molly, is a hybrid species resulting from Poecilia latipina and Poecilia sphenops. This livebearer is famous for its deep black color. Sometimes, you may spot a yellow stripe on the dorsal fin or slight silver on the sides, but overall, it stays true to its name. The intense black color comes from a melanistic condition. Melanism, the opposite of albinism, is when melanin, the skin pigment, fully expresses itself. This leads to a rich, dark black color, which is the reverse of the colorless condition seen in albinism.

This variety of Molly doesn’t exist in the wild naturally. The Black Molly has been selectively bred in the aquarium industry to highlight specific traits. A popular hybrid is the lyretail black balloon molly, known for its striking fins and distinctive rounded body. However, not all black mollies display these features; some lack fancy fins or the balloon shape, and may not be fully black. The traits depend on gene combinations and a bit of luck. Some hobbyists view these traits negatively due to issues tied to the mutations. The balloon body is essentially a deformity prized in the industry, but it comes with drawbacks like reduced lifespan and increased vulnerability to diseases. Due to selective breeding, these fish are less robust compared to their wild ancestors.

Origin

Wild mollies naturally inhabit North and Central American coastal areas, thriving in saltwater, brackish, and freshwater environments. These “wild-type” mollies differ from the selectively bred variations like the black molly. In the wild, they prefer shallow waters in ponds, streams, swamps, marshes, and estuaries. Due to their adaptability, mollies have even been introduced to regions like New Zealand, Western U.S., and Hawaii. Their versatility in handling different water conditions makes them an excellent choice for beginner aquarium hobbyists.

The black molly is ideal for a peaceful community tank due to its easy compatibility with similarly tempered species. They do well in a minimum of 30 gallons (113.56 litres, 24.98 Imperial gallons) of clean water, with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, and a temperature range of 68 - 82ºF (20 - roughly 28°C). In a well-planted setup, they readily reproduce if kept in a ratio of 4 females to 1 male. Males are persistent in their mating attempts, so a 1:1 ratio can lead to exhausted females and potential health issues.

Sexing

Sexing mollies is simple, as with most live bearers. Males have a gonopodium, a modified anal fin used to fertilize females during mating. The mating process involves the male displaying his fins to attract the female. Females can become pregnant multiple times from a single mating because they store sperm, allowing them to have more offspring within weeks after giving birth. Mollies can produce up to 60 babies every 2.5 months.

Once pregnant, it’s crucial to separate the female from the male. He’ll continue trying to mate, adding stress during this delicate time. Molly gestation lasts around 4 weeks. Moving her too soon can cause her to abort the pregnancy due to stress. However, delaying too long risks a miscarriage if she’s too close to giving birth. A well-planted birthing tank provides a safer environment as she approaches labor.

After birth, the babies will hide among the plants for protection. Mollies aren’t great parents and often view their fry as food, so it’s best to remove the mother and care for the fry separately. The fry need a balanced diet to grow well. While crushed flake food is acceptable, feeding them newly hatched brine shrimp and microworms supports better growth. For the first few weeks, feed them 3-4 times a day to ensure they get enough nutrients. Also, perform partial water changes every other day to prevent the water from becoming cloudy due to the frequent feedings.

It’s important to separate males from females as soon as you can identify them. Allowing them to mate can lead to inbreeding, which often results in deformed or sterile fry. The best way to prevent this is by keeping males and females in different tanks. If you plan to continue breeding, consider buying new mollies from a different aquatic retailer. While there’s no guarantee they won’t be related to your current fish, it reduces the chances of inbreeding.

Pictures

Black molly, picture 1 Black molly, picture 2 Black molly, picture 3 Black molly, picture 4 Black molly, picture 5 Black molly, picture 6 Black molly, picture 7

Sources

  • Aquarium Fish by Ulrich Schliewen

Questions and Answers About Mollies

On March 25th, 2011, we added these questions here after merging aqua-fish.net/answers with related articles. These questions were asked by visitors to aqua-fish.net. If you have a unique or unanswered question, feel free to submit it using the form at the bottom of this page!

  • How can you tell if a black molly is pregnant?

    Answer: When a female molly is pregnant, she will appear noticeably fuller. Her belly will become rounder and may look boxy. She might also spend more time hiding than usual.

  • What is the best way to care for Red Wag Platy fry?

    Answer: Once the fry are born, move them to a separate tank to protect them from being eaten by the parents. Feed the fry twice a day using micro worms or liquid fry food to ensure they grow properly.

  • How can I tell if my black molly is about to give birth?

    Answer: The belly of a pregnant black molly will become swollen. She might also start hiding in the tank decorations or choose to give birth at night.

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