Common Molly Fish
Size
They can grow between 5 – 10cm in length and typically weighing just a few grams.
Habitat and Distribution
In the wild, mollies are highly adaptable, euryhaline fish native to the Americas, ranging from the southeastern United States (North Carolina to Texas) down through Mexico and Central America to Colombia. They are primarily found in coastal, warm-water habitats, frequently inhabiting shallow, slow-moving, or stagnant waters.
Age
They can live up to 3 – 5 years.
Diet
In the wild, mollies are primarily herbivores with an opportunistic, omnivorous diet, feeding heavily on filamentous algae, diatoms, and phytoplankton. They also graze on detritus, small invertebrates, insect larvae, and crustaceans.
Groups and Breeding
They are highly social, active, and peaceful community fish that thrive in groups. They are considered shoaling fish, meaning they prefer the company of their own kind, but they do not form tight, coordinated schools. Molly fish breeding is easy because they are livebearers, giving birth to live young after a 4-6 week gestation.
Threats
This species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Mollies in the wild are generally hardy, fast-breeding fish, however, they face significant threats from predation, environmental degradation, and specific habitat challenges.
Interesting Facts
They are remarkably adaptable, popular aquarium livebearers known for producing 50–100+ free-swimming fry at once, often eating them if not sheltered.
The Common Molly Fish During Your Day Out in Kent
Our Common Molly Fish are located in our Reptile House, they are just in the window of the reptile kitchen. They share the Reptile House with many other species like snakes, iguanas, frogs and lots more.