Mollies for sale in the Netherlands

Mollies: behaviour and suitability

Males pursue females to mate. Therefore keep more females than males and provide plants and swimming room, females can use stored sperm and produce more young later. Always assess the actual animal and, when a trade label covers several species, verify the scientific name before acquisition. Age, sex, health and previous housing can noticeably influence behaviour.

Care and housing

Use the exact species as the starting point. For familiar Poeciliidae LICG generally gives 22–25 °C, pH 7–8.5 and moderately hard to hard water. Mollies usually need fairly hard to hard water. Before adding salt, check species, origin and tank mates. Set up the complete enclosure before the animal arrives and record relevant values and daily behaviour. A sudden change in appetite, activity, breathing, posture or droppings calls for a check of the environment and, where needed, knowledgeable help.

Health and responsible acquisition

Choose active, non-thin fish with clean skin and normal swimming. Dull skin, clamped fins and slow, crooked or rocking swimming are warning signs. Rocking is not a separate disease but often points to unsuitable water that is too soft or acidic. Ask the seller about age, origin, current care and known health problems, and ensure any documents belong to the animal offered. Never choose on colour, size or price alone, and identify a knowledgeable veterinarian or other species expert before urgent problems arise.