(61) Gold Black Molly

The Gold Black Molly (Poecilia sphenops), also known as the Gold Dust Molly, is a popular livebearing fish known for its contrasting black and vibrant gold coloration. These peaceful, active, and hardy fish are a great choice for beginner to intermediate aquarists

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a small group, but a 30-gallon or larger tank is ideal for maintaining stable water conditions and providing ample swimming space.
• Decor: A planted tank with plenty of live plants, driftwood, and rocks is beneficial. Darker substrate can help accentuate their colors.
• Filtration: A gentle filtration system that provides moderate water movement is best, as they prefer calmer water. A filter intake guard is a good precaution in breeding setups to protect fry.
• Lid: A secure lid is necessary, as mollies can be jumpers. 

• Staple: High-quality flake or micro-pellet food.
• Supplement: Offer small, protein-rich live or frozen foods regularly, such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms.
• Vegetable matter: Include spirulina-based foods or blanched vegetables like spinach and peas.
• Feeding frequency: Feed small portions two to three times daily, only what they can consume in a few minutes. 

• Temperament: Gold Black Mollies are peaceful, active, and social fish. They do best in groups of at least four to six individuals. Keeping a ratio of two to three females for every male is recommended to prevent male harassment of females.
• Tank Mates: Good companions include other peaceful, similarly sized fish that tolerate similar water conditions.
  • Peaceful Fish: Corydoras catfish, mollies, platies, and peaceful tetras.
  • Invertebrates: They can coexist with larger invertebrates like Nerite snails and Amano shrimp. However, they may eat smaller shrimp fry, especially in densely planted tanks.
• Breeding: They are prolific livebearers. Providing dense plants offers cover for new fry from adult fish.
• Lifespan: With proper care, they typically live for 3 to 5 years.