When reviewing potential pets that you could bring into your life, many forget about aquatic pets. Creatures that live in water can make awesome pets to have around the place. The problem is, that for many people, choosing the right kind of pet can be tough work. If you want a sea friend who you know is going to be easy to look after, choose a molly fish. These fish breeds have become very popular with people looking for a quality pet to keep at home.
What is a molly fish?
A molly fish is commonly found in homes and aquariums due to their easy-to-love (and look after) nature. They tend to be very easy to look after due to their hardy nature that can survive in various environments. Therefore, if you want to have a molly fish, you should have no problem finding one who can live happily in just about any aquarium setup you might have.
You might not get the exact breed you intended, but finding a molly fish is pretty easy. They are versatile and friendly little fish, and as such, they should be quite easy to work into your aquarium. However, the main thing to think about is the different types of molly fish.
You see, you get various types in that they can change color, they can change species to an extent, and they can have varying tails. We will try and break down some of the most popular species of molly fish in the list below.
Then, you can take a look and find a molly fish that you know is going to be right for you and your family. Out of all the options out there, then, what is the most popular?
What are the most popular types of molly fish?
Black Molly Fish
The first fish on our list is the much-loved Black Molly. These molly fish are very popular as they are regarded as being excellent for newbies. If you want a fish that can handle a tank of 30 gallons or more, start here. Despite being quite small, they can survive in most conditions – so long as you keep the pH level of around 7-7.8, your molly fish should survive.
Their black scales make them look very distinct, though they do also tend to have little scales of various colors all around their bodies. Interesting and endearing pets that should settle-in to most aquariums.
Black Sailfin Molly
The Black Sailfin molly fish has become a good choice for those who want a darker molly that has a very specific look. They are darker than the above option, and they tend to be well regarded as easy to manage fish. However, their peaceful nature makes them a target for fish that tend to eat fins. So, try and avoid going down the route of using an aquarium that might have any other fish that eat fins.
These are tough and durable, but again need a 30-gallon tank and need lots of exploration room.
Black Lyretail Molly
Another option that has a lot of people intrigued is the rich all-black Lyretail. These are popular molly fish as they are known for their gorgeous dark exterior, heightened by the presence of little accents of white on the fin. This makes them intriguing to look at, and they tend to be very popular for those who want a larger fish as they can reach around 5” in size.
Generally, they are calm and peaceful but will stand their ground if they are threatened or pushed. Survival-hardened and durable pets for sure.
Dalmatian Molly
Moving on from the black-colored molly fish, the Dalmatian Molly is exceptional fun to be around. They are beginner-friendly and stand out because of their striking appearance which looks akin to a Dalmatian itself. They need to have very specific water, though, with a pH of 7 to 7.8 again.
They need to be in a tank that exceeds 30 gallons, and they should be easily kept with other fish. However, if you spot other fish annoying them, you might want to separate them as a Dalmatian molly fish will not hesitate to fight back when provoked.
Balloon Belly Molly
The next kind of fish that we intend to add to this list would be the Balloon Belly version. These are known for having a rather portly look to them, and they tend to come in various colors including white, black, and even yellow.
These are very friendly fish that should have little to no problem living with other fish of a similar size. Avoid them being the small fish in a big aquarium, though, as they can be easily intimidated by larger fish. They are quite small, but still, they need an aquarium of 30 gallons or more.
Gold Dust Molly
If you like a fish with a rich and interesting color scheme, then few options are more enjoyable to spend time around than the Gold Dust molly fish. These are regarded as quite unique looking as they retain a very strong golden color. Unlike some of the fish below, this is a proper gold as opposed to gold-adjacent.
They are quite short-finned and they tend to be quite easy to look after. Like most molly fish, they need a tank in excess of 30 gallons and can reach a size of approximately 5”.
Gold Doubloon Molly
One very popular breed of molly fish is the Golden Doubloon. As the name implies they stand out due to their rich and endearing color scheme. On top of that, they are contrasting due to the golden main body and the little range of black fins that can really create an interesting, bee-like design.
They tend to need larger aquariums like others listed here, and they do tend to do well in larger tanks with varying temperature ranges. Given they can reach as larger as 5”, too, this is not a fish that will be tiny at their peak.
Gold Sailfin Molly
The next fish we want to recommend for those looking for a molly fish is the Golden Sailfin breed. These make wonderful fish spend time around, and their rich and brightly colored nature makes them very easy to love for all fish lovers. They are known for loving hard water, though, so avoid getting one of these if you normally have a soft water tank.
They are known for their bright golden color scheme. Despite being versatile and hardy fish, they do need a tank of at least 30 gallons to allow for free, relaxing swimming around.
Harlequin Sailfin Molly
The next fish on our list is among the most unique of the molly fish. They look very striking because they carry a rich, white body with gold and dark spots paired up with a stunning blue tail. This makes them a popular choice for many people looking for a fish that can stand out more from the traditional options on this list.
They can reach a size of up to 6”, though, so they are definitely among the largest of the molly fish that we have included on this list. They make great pets, and their gorgeous golden speckles pair up with the body for proper contrast.
Platinum Lyretail Molly
If you want a fish that is platinum as opposed to gold, look no further than this beauty. They are enriching to look at, and they tend to stand out very clearly due to the luminescent nature of platinum. They can have very specific needs for water, though, needing a pH of around 7.5 to 8.5, so they can be tough to put in with other fish.
They are peaceful, but the salt requirements can mean that you are often left with just these fish in the tank.
White Sailfin Molly
Lastly, you might want to look to the White/Silver Sailfin molly fish if you want a bright fish that is easily visible. They likely need a tank in excess of 30 gallons, but they are durable fish that can easily co-habit their aquarium with others. They can reach a length of around 5” so they are quite large by molly fish standards.
They need a water pH level of 7 to 8, and this breed can become very easy to look after. Generally, these are more expensive than other molly fish, but they do make good pets if you fancy something a touch more opulent and grandiose.
Choosing the right molly fish
Using the above, you hopefully now have a better idea of what kind of molly fish you would like to bring into your home. You can use the above list as a starting point to make sure you can choose something you feel comfortable with. Be sure to look around at the various options on the list, and then make a choice based on cost, lifestyle, and aquarium suitability.
Do that, and you should have no issue at all in choosing happily. Enjoy!