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Edit Poecilia sphenops

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Name

Scientific name

Poecilia sphenops

Described by

Authority Valenciennes, Year 1846

Family

Poeciliidae

Summary

The short-finned molly, Poecilia sphenops, is a livebearer whose native range runs north from Venezuela and Colombia to Mexico. Many colour…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

80mm, standard length

Tank size

Minimum length 90 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Minimum height 30 cm

Water

Temperature and pH

Temperature 21–28°C, pH 7–8.5

Hardness

15–30dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Peaceful

Social needs

Not recorded

Community suitability

Not recorded

Where it lives

Countries

Not recorded

Supporting text

Etymology

Poecilia: from the Greek poikilo, meaning ‘variable, variegated’.

Distribution

It's native range runs north from Venezuela and Colombia to Mexico, with isolated populations on some Caribbean islands. Wild fish are rare in the hobby these …

Habitat

Not written yet

Aquarium size

90 ∗ 30 ∗ 30 cm36 ∗ 12 ∗ 12 in

Maintenance

A planted tank is preferable but this species must be maintained in moderately hard or harder water, with a basic pH. When kept in soft or acidic water, the fi…

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Water conditions

Temperature: 21 – 28 °C70 – 82 °F pH: 7.0-8.5 Hardness: 15-30 dH

Diet

Omnivorous by nature, feeding on a variety of zoobenthos and detritus in the wild. and will accept most foods offered but a good proportion of the diet should …

Behaviour and compatibility

Peaceful but should only be kept with fish that can tolerate the same water conditions. Not recommended for the general community due to this. Good tankmates i…

Sexual dimorphism

The male is smaller, more colourful and possesses a gonopodium.

Reproduction

Very easy if the correct water conditions are provided. Reproduces in standard livebearer fashion. As with other species the males can be somewhat incessant in…

Notes

A hugely popular aquarium fish. Many aquarium-bred colour morphs of this species are available, including the ubiquitous black molly. There are also Gold, Gree…

References

References

No references