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Atlantic molly
Dark upper body, blue-silver flanks and yellow fin regions distinguish this surface form from cave forms.
The surface male has a dark upper body, blue-silver flanks, yellow fin regions and an ordinary rounded fan tail.
- Adult length
- Up to 11 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
- Water temperature
- 22–28 °C
- pH
- 7–7.5
- Hardness
- 20–30 dGH
- Native range
- North and Central America: Rio San Juan, Mexico to Guatemala.
- Natural habitat
- Inhabits warm springs and their outflows, canals, weedy ditches and stream pools; some populations occupy cave waters.
The identity of Campeche trade stock is questioned. Research tanks were kept at 27–29°C and 150–200-l; these are not general care limits.
Appearance and identification
Males from non-sulphidic surface water, sulphidic surface water and cave habitats differ. Pale cave forms and Campeche trade fish are not the same.
Same-species behaviour
Do not merge different populations merely because fish look similar.
Diet and feeding
Laboratory fish received flakes and frozen chironomid larvae.
Compatibility limits
Shared genus, colour or water temperature does not make companions compatible.
Aquarium environment
Check plants, lighting and cover against actual stock conditions.
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