Balloon molly "mix" - Poecilia latipinna

Another attractive breeding form of the popular Central and South American Molly, which we also carry in our store, is the Balloon Molly, scientifically also called Poecilia latipinna. The name is programmatic for this fish, which belongs to the broad-finned carps, because its round body appears almost balloon-shaped. However, this breeding variant has no disadvantages on its behavior or its way of life. Originally the Molly comes in its country of origin from river underflows, which reach over Brackwasesrgebeite up to river mouths. Like other livebearers, such as guppies or swordtails, the balloon molly is a popular aquarium fish, which has become indispensable in the trade. Especially its easy keeping and care make it so interesting.

In the Balloon Molly Mix both sexes are represented, as well as mixed forms from different color forms, so that you can acquire here a mad multicolored group, from which in the aquarium again new colors and patterns result.

Especially the females become quite large with a body size of 6-10 centimeters, the males remain with 4-6 centimeters rather somewhat behind. Therefore the aquarium should have at least 100 cm edge length, but more is in any case advantageous. From the outside the animals can be distinguished apart from the different body size by their anal fin - because with the males this is a gonopodium converted to the mating organ, with the females it is rather sail-shaped. Breeding of balloon mollies is not difficult, the males are almost constantly courting their adored ladies. After mating, the female can even store the sperm for a while and fertilize it herself several times, which is also the reason why even in an all-female group, young sometimes come up. In the belly of the expectant mother the eggs mature, from which live young hatch, which she then releases into the open water. Up to 80 baby fish per litter are not uncommon in balloon mollies. To prevent the parents from chasing and eating their young, it is worthwhile to plant the aquarium densely in places so that the young can hide.

The sociable animals should be kept in a shoal with at least 5 comrades, otherwise they will take care of themselves. As in their habitat, the aquarium water should be rather hard to "brackish", i.e. somewhat salinated. They feel comfortable at a water temperature of 24-28 °C, a regular heater does a good job here. When changing the water regularly, which is also a mandatory program for these great animals, it should be noted that the Balloon Molly is temperature-sensitive, the change water should therefore be "brought to temperature" before filling into the aquarium.

Balloon Mollies are quite peaceful carps, which can also be socialized well. Especially Amano Shrimp are suitable for this or also well reproducing other dwarf shrimp species that originate from the same water parameters. However, it can happen that now and then a shrimp young disappears in the fish mouth, which is why the aquarium should have enough caves, roots or decorations for the shrimp. Also the Sulawesi Inland Shrimp originates from hard water and would be suitable. Crayfish, on the other hand, are rather not recommended, as they could easily catch and even eat the Molly. Alternatively, other fish that can cope with the water parameters of the Balloon Molly are suitable, for example other color forms of the Molly, as we carry them in our store.

The omnivorous Balloon Molly is not particularly picky and can be fed well with commercially available dry, granulated or flake food. From time to time he also tugs at algae coverings and can be prima with vegetables or Vegetable chips spoil. Live or frozen food like Artemia, Daphnia or Gammarus may be offered to him from time to time as a treat.

Our food recommendation: The fragrant NatureHolic Guppyfeed was tailored to the needs of guppies and other viviparous fish in the aquarium. In addition to high-quality animal ingredients, it also contains vegetable components that benefit guppies & co. The soft granules protect the sensitive mouth of the viviparous from injuries caused by hard food grains and provide the fish with a natural feeding experience.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.