Breeding Black Molly (Poecilia Sphenops) In The Aquarium

Location

This species habitats in wide geographic range. It lives in reservoirs in Antilles, southern US, Mexico and Venezuela.

Body description

There is lot of colour variants of this fish: black, gold, marbled, with short fins, orange-fins etc. These variants occur in nature as a result of the evolution and hybridization species and in artificial conditions (selective breeding). Colour of wild fish is greenish with brown-red dots and red fins. Male is smaller than female. His anal fin is transformed into gonopodium - an external copulatory organ.

Temperament and behaviour

This is quiet, peaceful and friendly species. These fish prefer to live in pairs. You may keep them in a general tank.

Aquarium decoration

This species prefers a spacious tanks with loads of plants, space to swim and strong light. You need an effective filtration system and oxygen-rich water. The fish prefer clean water with a regular partial water exchanges and substrate without organic compounds. This species eats algae.

Breeding

This is a live-bearer species - fertilization is internal. You can recognize the pregnant female by the dark pregnant-spot on her belly. The gestation period of the female is around 5-8 weeks. The fry (up to 80) appears in aquarium every several weeks after this time. The fry starts swimming and feeding straight away.