Black Molly

Poecilia sphenops var. Black

The Black Molly is the embodiment of perfect melanism in aquariums. However, the myth of its hardiness is false. These fish evolved in estuaries, where the sea meets rivers. They demand extremely hard, alkaline, and very warm water (26°C), often with added marine salt (brackish). Putting them in a normal soft-water aquarium equals dissolving their immune system. They will start to rock in place ("Shimmying"), and then cover themselves in lethal white spots (Ich) within hours due to osmosis destroying their protective mucus.

Family: Poeciliidae
Origin: Variante melanica selezionata artificialmente (anni '30). La forma selvatica proviene dalle foci dei fiumi e lagune salmastre di Messico e Colombia.
Tank use: Used in 0 tanks

Temperature

22 °C - 28 °C

7.5 - 8.5

Water type

Freshwater / Brackish

Tank level

All levels

Adult size

8 cm

Description

The White Plague (Velvet Mycosis Futile Deaf Mute):

On their matte black coat, any infection is visible in real time. A temperature drop of just 2 degrees at night will lead to the appearance of white, cottony growths (Saprolegnia fungus) around the mouth. Heater always on and set to 26°C or higher.

Care and observations

The Soft Water Condemnation and the Shakes (Shimmy Disease Futile Blind):

If you keep a Black Molly in acidic or soft water, the fish's kidneys will collapse. The primary symptom is stationary rocking (Shimmying): the fish desperately moves its body left and right without advancing, clamping its fins. It is a neurological spasm caused by osmotic shock. To cure it, you MUST raise the temperature to 28°C and add non-iodized sea salt. Never keep them with Amazonian fish.

Fish profile

Temperament: Vivace, prolifico all'inverosimile. I maschi possono diventare molesti.
Diet: Onnivoro/Erbivoro. Divora la patina batterica in superficie. Esige enormi quantità di fiocchi vegetali (Spirulina) e alghe.
Tank level: All levels
Adult size: 8 cm
GH: 15 dGH - 30 dGH
KH: n/a
TDS: n/a
Conductivity: n/a

Image gallery

Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.

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