SCIENTIFIC NAME: POECILIA SPHENOPS The Dalmation Molly is a mostly white with black speckling fish that is peaceful and prefers hard water. Mollies have the ability to adapt to a variety of salt levels in the aquarium. With a gradual acclimation, these fish may be maintained in either a freshwater or saltwater aquarium. In the freshwater aquarium, a minimum of a teaspoon of aquarium salt per gallon is recommended for optimum health. Obtaining a maximum of 5 inches, the Dalmation Molly requires a tank of at least 25 gallons with algae and plenty of room to swim. The tall dorsal fin of the male will not develop if adequate room is not provided for him to swim. This species should only share a tank with other peaceful fish that prefer hard water with elevated salt levels. The pointed anal fin and much larger dorsal fin on the male, and the rounded anal fin and pregnancy spot on the female differentiate the two. The Dalmation Molly is a livebearer that requires a spawning box in a 25 gallon, or larger breeding tank. The tank should be planted as densely as possible or have a thick algae mat. Having a group of floating plants in the corner of your tank will promote rearing outside of the breeding tank. Every 60-70 days the female will give birth to 10-60 young that are already approximately one-half inch long. The Dalmation Molly is omnivorous and requires both meaty foods as well as algae. Provide these fish with an algae-based flake food, as well as freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp.
