Assorted Balloon Molly

Add a burst of color and charm to your aquarium with Assorted Balloon Mollies. These delightful livebearers are known for their distinctive rounded bodies and come in a variety of vibrant colors, including black, white, orange, gold, and marbled patterns. Their peaceful nature and unique appearance make them a favorite among aquarists of all levels.

Features

• Scientific Name: Poecilia latipinna

• Common Name: Assorted Balloon Molly

• Size: Up to 7.5 cm (3 inches)

• Lifespan: 3–5 years

• Temperament: Peaceful and social

• Diet: Omnivorous; enjoys a varied diet of high-quality flake food, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

  • pH Level: 7.5–8.5

  • Hardness: 10–25 dGH

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 liters (20 gallons) for a small group

Why Choose Assorted Balloon Mollies?

• Vibrant Variety: Each molly boasts unique colorations and patterns, adding dynamic beauty to your tank.

• Hardy and Adaptable: Thrives in a range of water conditions, making them suitable for various setups.

• Peaceful Community Member: Coexists harmoniously with other non-aggressive fish species.

• Easy to Breed: Livebearers that reproduce readily, offering opportunities for breeding projects.

Tank Requirements

• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand to mimic natural habitats.

• Decor: Incorporate live plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and Vallisneria, along with driftwood and rocks to provide hiding spots and spawning surfaces.

• Filtration: Efficient filtration to maintain water quality without creating strong currents.

• Lighting: Moderate lighting to enhance their natural colors.

• Tank Cover: A secure lid is recommended, as they can be occasional jumpers.

Compatible Tank Mates

Assorted Balloon Mollies thrive in peaceful community tanks. Suitable companions include:

• Guppies

• Platies

• Swordtails

• Corydoras Catfish

•  Black Skirt Tetras

• Danios

Avoid housing with larger or aggressive fish that may view them as prey.

Feeding Recommendations

• Staple Diet: High-quality flake food or pellets formulated for omnivorous fish.

• Supplementary Foods: Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms to enhance coloration and breeding readiness.

• Vegetables: Blanched spinach, zucchini, and cucumber can be offered as occasional treats.

• Feeding Frequency: Feed 2–3 times daily in small amounts to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.

Care Tips

• Regular Maintenance: Perform weekly water changes of 25–30% to maintain optimal water conditions.

• Group Size: Keep in groups of at least 4–6 to promote natural schooling behavior and reduce stress.

• Breeding: They are livebearers; providing dense plant cover can increase fry survival rates.

• Observation: Monitor for signs of stress or illness, such as color fading or lethargy, and address promptly.

FAQs

Can Assorted Balloon Mollies live in a community tank?
Yes, they coexist peacefully with other small, non-aggressive species in a well-planned community tank.

Do they require a heater?
Maintaining a stable temperature between 24–28°C (75–82°F) is essential; a heater may be necessary depending on ambient room temperature.

Are they suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Their hardy nature and adaptability make them ideal for novice aquarists.

How can I enhance their coloration?
A varied diet rich in high-quality foods, maintaining pristine water conditions, and providing a stress-free environment can help accentuate their vibrant colors.