Molly "Dalmatian" - Poecilia sphenops

The Dalmatian Molly is the silver colored, black pied breeding form of the widely distributed pointed molly Poecilia sphenops, native to Central America and South America. Poecilia sphenops var. dalmatian is a popular aquarium fish for aquariums with rather hard water. The molly is also accustomed to brackish water from its native habitat. Mollies have been extremely popular in aquaristics for well over 100 years. Like guppies, swordtails and platies, they belong to the live-bearing tooth carps. The species Poecilia sphenops lives in nature in the lower reaches as well as in the brackish water of river mouths.

Male Dalmatian Mollies reach a body length of approx. 4 to 6 cm, the females become with 6 to 10 cm length clearly larger. An aquarium from 80 liters is suitable. The males can be recognized by their gonopodium, the elongated sexual organ at the base of the tail. The females do not have this, besides they are rounder from the physique than the male Dalmatian mollies. The coloration of the Dalmatian Molly is silvery with many black smaller to medium sized spots that are strikingly reminiscent of the pattern of a Dalmatian dog.

As a live-bearing toothcarp , Dalmatian Molly females give birth to live fish babies. Dalmatian Molly females can store the male's semen for a long time after mating, and so they can give birth to several more litters without mating again. Therefore, even in all-female groups, offspring can be born. There are 30-80 kittens in a litter. However, the adult Dalmatian Mollies partially chase and eat their offspring. In well planted aquariums, more juvenile fish will pass through.

Dalmatian Mollies need the security of the group, they should not be kept solitary. In nature, wild Poecilia sphenops can be found in waters with medium to hard water and even in brackish water. Water temperatures of 24 to 28 °C are best for Dalmatian Mollies. This really very pretty aquarium fish is quite sensitive to temperature fluctuations. When changing the water, the aquarium should only be filled with water adapted to the temperature.

The socialization of a school of Dalmatian Mollies with larger shrimps such as Amano shrimps or fan shrimps works well. Dalmatian Mollies unfortunately see smaller dwarf shrimp as prey. In a well planted community aquarium the socialization can work best with shrimps of the genus Neocaridina - these reproduce well and so with sufficient hiding places enough young animals will grow up. The socialization with dwarf crayfish of the genus Cambarellus can also work, whereby the crayfish offspring is on the menu of the pointed crayfish. Again, hiding places are very important. Larger crayfish species, on the other hand, may take on the role of hunters and then in turn eat the Dalmatian Mollies.

In nature Poecilia sphenops eats besides small crustaceans and worms as well as insect larvae and food from the water surface also algae growth. They also nibble on aquatic plants with soft foliage - which may also be the case in the aquarium. Dalmatian Mollies also like algae coverings as a food supplement in the aquarium. Soft / scalded vegetables such as peas, tomatoes, spinach leaves, zucchini and pumpkin, but also green food such as dandelion or nettle leaves are readily accepted. Dalmatian Mollies as uncomplicated eaters will of course also accept flake food for omnivorous aquarium fish, frozen food and live food such as enchytraea, artemia, water fleas or mosquito larvae.

Our feed recommendation NatureHolic Guppyfeed is a fine soft granulate with 0.5 mm grain thickness, which is suitable as a staple food for all aquarium fish and especially for guppies. The soft consistency of the food beads is reminiscent of that of natural insect larvae. It protects the sensitive fish mouth from micro injuries caused by hard or sharp-edged food. In addition to animal food, guppies also need a vegetable component in their diet. As special additives we add garlic extract and the leaf powder of the miracle tree Moringa olifera to NatureHolic Guppyfeed. These herbal additives are attributed positive effects on the immune system and the colorfulness of the colorful fish.

Our plant recommendation: For planting, use NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planaria 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.