All You Need to Know About Mollies

Mollies are colourful, hardy freshwater fish perfect for beginner aquarists. Native to Central and South America, mollies thrive in slightly alkaline, well-maintained tanks with a temperature range of 24–28°C. These livebearers are peaceful, social, and easy to breed, making them great for community setups with guppies, platies, tetras, and more.

To keep mollies healthy and vibrant, feed them a balanced diet of flakes, pellets, and plant-based options like Intan Herbivore Wafers made with spinach, peas, and spirulina. If you're raising fry, use Intan’s Breeder & Grower Feeds (B1–B4) for stage-wise nutrition.

Mollies are among the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium world, and it’s easy to see why. These lively, low-maintenance swimmers bring both colour and charm to home tanks, making them a favourite for beginners and seasoned aquarists alike. But while they’re fairly easy-going, understanding a few essentials can help your Mollies thrive.

What Exactly Are Mollies?

Originally found in parts of Central and South America, Mollies belong to the Poecilia family - the same as guppies and platies. They’re livebearers, which means they give birth to free-swimming babies rather than laying eggs. Known for their adaptability and peaceful temperament, Mollies fit well into most community tanks.

From glossy black to speckled Dalmatians and graceful lyretails, the variety is vast. Each type brings its own visual appeal, but all Mollies share a curious nature and a love for open swimming space.

Tank Setup and Water Conditions

Though Mollies are known for their adaptability, they flourish in stable, well-maintained environments. Setting up the right tank from the start ensures they remain active, stress-free, and healthy.

Here’s what they need:

• Tank size: Minimum 30 litres for a small group
• Water temperature: Between 24°C and 28°C
• pH level: 7.5 to 8.5 (they prefer slightly alkaline water)
• Water hardness: Moderately hard to hard
• Aquarium salt: A small amount (optional) can help mimic their natural brackish habitat
• Filtration: Essential for clean, oxygenated water
• Water changes: Aim for 25% weekly to maintain quality

Live plants, open swimming areas, and a gentle current make for an ideal Molly-friendly setup. And remember, consistency is key.

Can Molly Fish Mix with Other Fish?

Absolutely. Mollies are generally peaceful and get along well with other non-aggressive fish. They’re especially compatible with guppies, platies, tetras, swordtails and corydoras. They love being in groups (a trio or more is ideal) and enjoy darting through plants or chasing each other playfully across the tank.

Just keep in mind that if you’re mixing males and females, you’ll likely end up with baby Mollies sooner than expected!

Breeding: Nature Takes the Lead

One of the reasons Mollies are often recommended for beginners is their ease of breeding. As livebearers, females can give birth to dozens of fry at once and sometimes multiple batches after a single mating, thanks to stored sperm.

If you’re not planning to raise the fry, keep populations in check by maintaining more females than males (ideally a 2:1 ratio) or housing same-gender groups. For those who are interested in raising babies, use plants or breeding boxes to offer shelter as adults have been known to snack on their own young.

Feed the Molly fry Intan Breeder & Grower Feeds. Starting with B1 to transitioning to B2, B3 and finally B4, These feeds are meant to nourish the fish babies till juvenile or semi-adult stages, perfect for their early stage development. They include high-quality ingredients like Fish Meal, Shrimp Meal & Antarctic Krill. This formulation ensures healthy growth & promotes proper feeding habits from the very start.

What Food Do Mollies Eat?

Mollies aren’t fussy eaters, but that doesn’t mean they should eat just anything. A balanced, varied diet keeps them in top form and enhances their natural colours.

Feed them a mix of:

• Staple food: High-quality flakes or micro pellets

Intan Herbivore Wafers are small, sinking vegetarian wafers with 30% protein, specially formulated for herbivorous fish like Mollies, Mbunas, and Plecos. Made from high-quality leafy greens and vegetables like spinach, peas, and spirulina, these wafers support digestion, immunity, and vibrant colouration. Rich in antioxidants such as phycocyanin and carotenoids, the formula promotes nutrient absorption and overall health—while maintaining low water turbidity and high palatability.

Fun Little Facts

• Mollies can live in both freshwater and brackish water.
• They’re often used in scientific research due to their adaptability.
• With proper care, Mollies can live anywhere from 3 to 5 years.
• They’re curious, interactive fish often coming up to the glass as if to greet you!

How to Keep Molly Fish Happy?

If you’re looking to add life, colour and low-stress energy to your aquarium, Mollies are a brilliant choice. Their friendly nature, hardiness and playful personalities make them an absolute joy to watch. Whether you're starting your first tank or expanding an existing one, there's always room for a few more Mollies.

At Intan, we are here to provide you with premium fish feed. Our feed is tailored to meet the specific needs of each species. Every feed can spark positive change and create a future promoting quality, resilience, and well-being. We aim to serve the needs of hobbyists and breeders for the best quality of each species’ unique requirements. To know more about us, check out our Instagram page or contact us. 

We are not just a brand; we are stewards of the underwater world. We believe in the well-being of our friends and their mental health. Understanding and addressing the stressors that affect fish is not just a concept for us, it's a commitment. Through our dedication to research and innovative products, we aim to ensure that fish everywhere can lead happier, healthier lives.