CheckMyFishTankMolly care
Poecilia sphenops · Freshwater · Beginner level care
A hardy livebearer that likes hard water and plenty of plant matter.
Feeding
Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish. Flakes, spirulina, algae wafers, blanched vegetables.
Good tank mates
Fish that pass every check with Molly in a 60 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.
Do not mix with
- Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Molly.
- Discus: Discus and Molly need different water temperatures.
- Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Molly.
- Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Molly.
- Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey is aggressive and will bully peaceful Molly.
- Green Terror: Green Terror grows big enough to eat Molly.
- Red Zebra Cichlid: Red Zebra Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Molly.
- Cobalt Blue Zebra: Cobalt Blue Zebra is aggressive and will bully peaceful Molly.
Questions
What size tank does a Molly need?
At least 30 gallons for a group of 3. Adults grow to about 4 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.
What temperature does a Molly like?
72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 7.5 to 8.2. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.
How many Molly should I keep together?
Keep 3 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.
What do Molly eat?
Flakes, spirulina, algae wafers, blanched vegetables. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.