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Shortfin molly
An ordinary shortfin molly, distinct from balloon and lyretail trade forms.
- Adult length
- Up to 8 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
- Water temperature
- 21–28 °C
- Lifespan
- Up to 3 years
- pH
- 7–8.5
- Hardness
- 15–30 dGH
- Natural habitat
- Native to waters from Mexico to Colombia.
Black colour does not prove pure ancestry; check original hardness and salinity before setting conditions.
Appearance and identification
The female has a fan-shaped anal fin. Balloon bodies, lyretails and black trade forms may involve selection or hybrid ancestry, so colour or dorsal height alone cannot confirm a pure species.
Same-species behaviour
Males pursue persistently; keep several females per male with dense cover.
Space requirements
A 90 × 30 cm base. Plan around adults, swimming room and offspring.
Diet and feeding
Include plant-based foods in a varied diet; grazing does not replace feeding.
Compatibility limits
Keep with fish suited to the same hard, alkaline water. Adults may eat fry, and hybridization with latipinna is a reason to keep stocks separately. Check companion size and behaviour.
Aquarium environment
Choose plants for the actual hardness and salinity.
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