Editing Poecilia sphenops
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|stub=No | |stub=No | ||
|name=Molly | |name=Molly | ||
| − | |extra_common_names=Green Molly, Black Molly, Dalmatian Molly, Mexican Molly, Pointed-Mouth Molly, Molly | + | |extra_common_names=Green Molly, Black Molly, Liberty Molly, Dalmatian Molly, Mexican Molly, Pointed-Mouth Molly, Molly |
|species=Poecilia sphenops | |species=Poecilia sphenops | ||
|extra_scientific_names=Mollienisia sphenops, Poecilia thermalis, Gambusia modesta | |extra_scientific_names=Mollienisia sphenops, Poecilia thermalis, Gambusia modesta | ||
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== Origin == | == Origin == | ||
:Central and South America: Mexico to Colombia. | :Central and South America: Mexico to Colombia. | ||
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== Sexing == | == Sexing == | ||
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== Breeding == | == Breeding == | ||
| − | :In the wild Mollies shoal in their hundreds | + | :In the wild Mollies shoal in their hundreds, and the ratio of males to females is one to two. Indeed, a female molly would typically give birth to 70% females. |
:Pet shops often sell Mollies in pairs. Whilst this will not cause the female any long term harm, it will tire the female as she is constantly pestered by the male's advances. It is far better for the fish if you have a male to every 2 females and then the females will be less stressed. Every 30-40 days you'll have 50-100 live fry. | :Pet shops often sell Mollies in pairs. Whilst this will not cause the female any long term harm, it will tire the female as she is constantly pestered by the male's advances. It is far better for the fish if you have a male to every 2 females and then the females will be less stressed. Every 30-40 days you'll have 50-100 live fry. | ||
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:Adults will prey on young fry, so dense planting in the form of [[Java Moss]] can be used to ensure fry survival, or the young fry can be put into a breeding trap until they are larger. Pregnant females should '''never''' be placed into a breeding trap as this will cause undue stress and possibly cause them to abort the fry. | :Adults will prey on young fry, so dense planting in the form of [[Java Moss]] can be used to ensure fry survival, or the young fry can be put into a breeding trap until they are larger. Pregnant females should '''never''' be placed into a breeding trap as this will cause undue stress and possibly cause them to abort the fry. | ||
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== Tank compatibility == | == Tank compatibility == | ||
:A popular choice for a beginners aquarium, the molly is a good community fish that will generally not bother other inhabitants, they may harass other livebearers, including [[Platies]], however. It is known for Mollies to be a little nippy, however, so any tank mates should be fast swimming and not be long-finned. | :A popular choice for a beginners aquarium, the molly is a good community fish that will generally not bother other inhabitants, they may harass other livebearers, including [[Platies]], however. It is known for Mollies to be a little nippy, however, so any tank mates should be fast swimming and not be long-finned. | ||
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== Diet == | == Diet == | ||
:Flake, dried fish food. Mollies will eat a small amount of meat. Raw cockles, [[Bloodworm]], etc. It will even eat a small amount of soft algae if not over fed. They also like to eat some blanched vegetables like courgette, cucumber or lettuce. | :Flake, dried fish food. Mollies will eat a small amount of meat. Raw cockles, [[Bloodworm]], etc. It will even eat a small amount of soft algae if not over fed. They also like to eat some blanched vegetables like courgette, cucumber or lettuce. | ||
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== Feeding regime == | == Feeding regime == | ||
:Feed once or twice a day. | :Feed once or twice a day. | ||
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== Environment specifics == | == Environment specifics == | ||
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:It must be noted that keeping Mollies in an entirely [[salt]]-free environment can be detrimental to their health. One of the sicknesses they are prone to if kept this way is the "[[Shimmies]]", which will appear as erratic swimming. | :It must be noted that keeping Mollies in an entirely [[salt]]-free environment can be detrimental to their health. One of the sicknesses they are prone to if kept this way is the "[[Shimmies]]", which will appear as erratic swimming. | ||
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== Behaviour == | == Behaviour == | ||
:Top feeders (see mouth shape) but will take food at any level of the tank. Known for their ability to clean the water surface of tanks. Quickly becomes used to the aquarist and will feed out of your hand. Can be boisterous. | :Top feeders (see mouth shape) but will take food at any level of the tank. Known for their ability to clean the water surface of tanks. Quickly becomes used to the aquarist and will feed out of your hand. Can be boisterous. | ||
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== Identification == | == Identification == | ||
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:Through selective breeding many colour, dorsal and tail-shape variations have been created, including an uncommon lyretail, and many colours including the popular dalmatian. | :Through selective breeding many colour, dorsal and tail-shape variations have been created, including an uncommon lyretail, and many colours including the popular dalmatian. | ||
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{{Categories | {{Categories | ||
