Molly silver - Poecilia sphenops

The silver molly is a noble color variant of the molly, which are also known as pointed molly. Poecilia sphenops, as they are called by their scientific species name, originate from Central and South America, where they are mainly found in the lower reaches of rivers, but also in estuaries. Sometimes they can even be found in brackish water, which is the reason why you can safely add some salt to the aquarium water. Just the colorfulness and the quite uncomplicated simple keeping make it very popular especially with beginners, because the Molly is very tolerant.

You will receive our Silver Mollies mixed-sex.

The wonderful animals shine in a white silver tone, discreet and noble at the same time. In contrast to the females, which grow up to 10 cm, the males reach just 6 cm. Externally they can be distinguished both by their terminal size, but also by the gonopodium present in the males, which is missing in the females, which have a more sail-shaped anal fin. Like guppies, mollies can store the male's sperm close to mating and fertilize themselves a few more times, again giving birth to young. Mollies, also like their distant relatives the guppies and the platies, are among the live-bearing toothcarps that are ovoviviparous: the eggs develop in the mother's abdomen and burst open when the young are released into the open water. In a community tank, the young face many predators that can counteract overpopulation. Dense planting in places, in particular, provides retreats for the young fish to be safe from the hungry mouths of other fish, as well as those of their parents.

The aquarium for Mollies should have a volume of 80 liters. Being very sociable animals, you should keep the mollies at least in the group with 10 animals, otherwise they will take care. For example, you can also keep them with other color varieties, but this can lead to new color patterns, as the animals mate with each other. Mollies are somewhat sensitive to temperature differences, so you should have this warmed up to about the same temperature as the aquarium water when changing them. The mollies do not make great demands on the substrate. In places roots and stones can be brought in, which also serve as hiding places, as well as a few fine plant stands to retreat. The aquarium water may be medium hard to hard with temperatures between 24 - 28°C.

The Silver Molly is a very peaceful fish that can be kept in a community aquarium. It can be kept very well with other livebearers, such as guppies or platies, but also with Corydoras or Loricariidsas well as with other peaceful Tetras and Danios can be socialized. If there are enough plants and hiding places in the aquarium, it can also be kept with well reproducing dwarf shrimps, such as the Neocaridinabut also with Amano shrimps can be socialized. It can happen, however, that occasionally a young animal disappears. It is not advisable to keep them with dwarf shrimps or crayfish, as they may catch or injure the molly.

Silver Mollies are omnivores, eating both meat and vegetable food. Among other things, it plucks at algae coverings and thus keeps them in check in the aquarium. They can be easily fed with almost any commercially available granulated food, dry food or food flakes for omnivorous ornamental fish. From time to time they can also be fed with live or frozen foods such as Tubifexwhite, black or red Mosquito larvae, as well as Daphnia, Grindalworms or Artemia can be spoiled. Also soaked vegetables such as Zucchini chips or Pumpkin chips, but also Algae leaves they nibble with enthusiasm.

Our food recommendation: The fragrant NatureHolic Guppyfeed  has been 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: For planting, use 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.