Black Molly - Poecilia sphenops - Saltwater

Mollies are generally brackish water fish in nature, meaning they like a salt level between that of true freshwater and full saltwater (usually with a specific gravity of 1.005 to 1.015). These Black Mollies have been bred and raised in full saltwater and should not be kept in tanks with low salinity.

Black mollies are a popular aquarium fish. They are, as their name suggests, black in color. Sometimes males will have orange edges on their large dorsal fin.

As with all livebearers, they are prolific breeders and are best kept in a "harem" ratio of one male to two or three females. This allows the females to have some relief from the males' constant pestering. Males have a modified pointed anal fin known as a "gonopodium" while this fin is held fanned out in females.

These fish are fine in community tanks as long as they are not overstocked with many other fish. They will accept prepared food such as flakes and pellet food easily and should be kept on this diet because of the large amounts of vitamins and minerals available.