The black molly, Poecilia latipinna, is a variation of the Sailfin molly. The molly fits well into community aquariums because of its moderate size and peaceful nature. This fish grows to a maximum of 3 inches long and gets along well with other aquarium inhabitants. Mollies need plenty of room and it’s best to keep them in groups of three or more in an aquarium that holds at least 30 gallons. They are most comfortable when they have plenty of cover, so include an abundance of plants in the tank to contribute to the molly’s overall well-being.
General Care and Lifespan
Black mollies school with others of their kind and should be kept with at least two or three other black mollies. They are omnivorous and eat flaked food that is algae-based, plus they need proteins such as brine shrimp, bloodworms and tubifex worms. They do best with a bit of salt added to their water to simulate their preferred environment in the wild. If properly housed and fed black mollies have a lifespan of about three years in captivity.
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