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Freshwater fishBalloon Body Molly (School of 4)
Balloon Body Molly (School of 4)
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Very easy-to-keep fish for beginners. They are livebearing fish, and the females give birth throughout their lifetime. The balloon shape of this class of fish makes them very appealing in peaceful fish tanks. A group of four will have males and females in the mix.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Poecilia sphenops (balloon-bodied aquarium strain) |
| Origin | Mexico and Central America (wild ancestors); aquarium-bred |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Adult Size | Up to 2½–3" |
| Lifespan | 3–4 years |
| Diet | Omnivore (needs plant matter) |
| Water Temperature | 75–82°F |
| pH | 7.5–8.5 (hard water) |
| Group Size | Sold as a school of 4 |
| Shipping Size | Approx. 1½" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: Give them hard, alkaline water with plants and gentle filtration, since balloon mollies are slower swimmers than other mollies. Aquarium salt is optional; they also do well in brackish tanks.
Feeding: Feed small amounts of a quality flake that includes vegetable matter once or twice a day. They also enjoy algae wafers. Avoid overfeeding, since balloon mollies are prone to bloating.
Tankmates: Mollies get along with most peaceful community fish that like similar hard water, such as platies, swordtails, guppies, danios, rainbowfish, corydoras and plecos. Avoid fin-nippers and soft-water specialists. Keeping more females than males keeps any one female from being harassed.
Good to know: The balloon shape comes from a shortened, curved spine bred into this strain, so they swim more slowly. Feed them where they can reach food easily and don't house them with fast, pushy eaters.
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