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Dwarf molly
Poecilia chica
Fine ochre spot rows; dominant males can darken rapidly.
This non-dominant male has a silvery olive body, small ochre spot rows and a short dorsal. Darkening during dominance or courtship does not make it another species.
- Adult length
- Up to 3 cm
- Water temperature
- 23–26 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Hardness
- 10–20 dGH
- Natural habitat
- Known from three separate small drainages in southern Jalisco, Mexico: the Cuixmala, Purificación and a northern tributary of the Cihuatlán.
A dominant male can slightly exceed 4 cm TL.
Appearance and identification
Compare this spotted male with the barred P. vivipara. Stock variation matters.
Same-species behaviour
Lives in mixed-sex hierarchical groups, not strict schools. Monitor dominant fish.
Diet and feeding
Eats algae and green foods. Feed deliberately and observe intake.
Compatibility limits
Allow retreat and separation when needed.
Similar and related fish
