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Pictures of fish and fish in store may vary, these are just examples/fully grown fish
Dalmatian Molly
Scientific Name: Poecilia latipinna
Common Names: Dalmatian Molly, Marbled Molly, Spotted Molly
Origin: Central and North America (coastal streams, estuaries, and ponds)
Adult Size: 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm)
Lifespan: 3–5 years
Temperament: Peaceful, social, active
Difficulty Level: Easy
Sales Description
The Dalmatian Molly is a lively, eye-catching livebearer known for its bold black-and-white spotted pattern, resembling the coat of a Dalmatian dog. With its constant movement, peaceful nature, and shimmering contrast, this fish makes a perfect addition to community aquariums. Dalmatian Mollies are hardy, easy to care for, and thrive in a wide range of water conditions, making them an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists alike.
They are highly social and do best when kept in small groups of their own kind or with other peaceful community fish such as tetras, guppies, and corydoras. Males display elegant finnage and playful behavior, while females often grow slightly larger and more robust.
Care Guide
Dalmatian Mollies prefer clean, well-oxygenated water with moderate current and plenty of swimming space. A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended, though larger tanks allow for more stable conditions and natural social behavior. These fish appreciate planted environments with open swimming areas and floating plants that provide cover and shade.
Ideal water parameters include a temperature between 74–82°F (23–28°C), pH of 7.0–8.2, and moderate hardness. Dalmatian Mollies naturally inhabit slightly brackish environments in the wild, so the occasional addition of aquarium salt (1 tablespoon per 5 gallons) can be beneficial, though they also thrive fully in freshwater setups.
Feed a balanced diet of high-quality flake or pellet food supplemented with vegetable-based foods, algae wafers, and occasional frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms. Mollies are omnivorous and appreciate some plant material in their diet to support digestion and coloration.
Dalmatian Mollies are livebearers, meaning females give birth to free-swimming fry. In a community tank, fry may be eaten by adults, so breeders often use dense plant cover or separate breeding boxes to protect the young. Fry can be fed crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp to encourage rapid growth.
Breeding Notes
Breeding Dalmatian Mollies is straightforward. Maintain stable water quality, a warm temperature around 80°F (27°C), and provide hiding spaces for females and fry. Females can store sperm and give birth to multiple broods, typically producing 20–60 fry per spawning. Regular feeding and water changes encourage continuous breeding cycles.
