Species profile
Dalmatian Molly
Poecilia spp.
Peaceful
Easy care
100 L minimum aquarium
6–10 cm adult size
Top mid
Minimum group: 3
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Black-and-white domestic fancy molly. Treat as a domestic Poecilia form rather than a formal variety of one guaranteed species.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
23–28 °C
pH
7–8.5
GH
10–30 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 3
Tank zone
Top mid
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Fry
Bioload factor
1.3
Active social livebearer. Maintain more females than males where both sexes are kept; adults may consume fry.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
100 L
Minimum footprint
80 × 35 cm
Accepted scientific name
Poecilia spp.
Alternative names
Dalmatian Molly, Spotted Molly, Marbled Molly, Poecilia sphenops var. (legacy master)
Native range
Captive domestic form. Fancy molly ancestry may include Poecilia sphenops and other closely related mollies.
Natural habitat
Provide hard alkaline water, open swimming space and planted margins. Domestic fancy mollies benefit from stable mineral-rich water and strong filtration.
Diet & feeding
Omnivore with a strong grazing component. Use quality livebearer foods with vegetable/algal content plus small frozen or live foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males have a gonopodium; females retain a fan-shaped anal fin and are generally fuller-bodied.
Breeding
Livebearer; females produce free-swimming fry after internal fertilisation and can store sperm.