Often called short-finned mollies, mollies are well-known throughout the world for their intriguing and engaging behavior in aquariums. They are primarily black, white, or silver colored.
This species occurs from Mexico to Columbia in freshwater, occasionally in coastal waters, and sporadically in marine waters. Females are larger than males, with a size difference of 12 to 8 cm.
As a result of their fast development rate, large birth size, reproduction rate, and large brood size, mollies are very popular among aquarists.
Here are some fascinating facts about mollies, including how many can live in a 10-gallon tank and how many can live in a 10-gallon tank.
FISH: How Many Mollies can you keep in a 10 Gallon Tank?
A 10-gallon tank can hold two to three mollies. The average length of a molly is about 3 to 5 inches.
In order to swim freely in a tank, one molly needs at least 3 gallons of water. Therefore, three mollies can live happily and comfortably in a 10-gallon tank without trouble.
Mollies can vary in number based on their species. Let’s see how many you can keep together.
Black mollies:
The black molly is one of the most common mollies found almost everywhere in the world.
The black mollies are also known as the “Common Molly” around the world. Besides that, they have several other nicknames as well.
As an example, they usually have short, black fins. Thus, they are also called ‘the short-finned molly’.
When it comes to black mollies, you will notice that they only have one color all over their bodies.
Despite the fact that many people think it’s all genetic, there are other factors involved as well. Black mollies suffer from a serious genetic condition called melanism.
Despite being born with severe cases of melanism, black mollies lack any colour pigmentation.
Thus, they are born black and sometimes have slight yellow or silver linings on their tails, dorsal fins, or flanks.
Colonies are simply their favorite place to live. As a result, the three mollies are quite comfortable living together in a 10-gallon tank.
Dalmatian mollies:
Among all molly species, Dalmatian mollies are the most active, social, and playful. If provided with the right diet and environment, they are calm and peaceful fish that are very easy to take care of.
The entire body of these creatures is a beautiful combination of black and white. As a result, they are frequently referred to as Dalmatian dogs for having this color combination.
There has been a wide variety of color combinations found among the ever-versatile Dalmatian mollies, including gray with black spots.
The Dalmatian mollies are a bit larger than the regular ones. They are approximately 4 to 5 inches long and are quite social.
As they can reach up to 5 inches and sometimes more than 5 inches, it is best to keep two Dalmatian mollies together in a 10 gallon tank.
Only 2 Dalmatian mollies in a 10-gallon tank would provide them with an adequate swimming area to stay comfortable.
Balloon mollies:
When it comes to choosing the best fish for their aquariums, balloon mollies are another favorite of aquarists.
Keeping 4 balloon mollies in a 10 gallon tank is recommended as they love living in communities and maintaining social relationships.
Can mollies survive in a 10 gallon tank?
There is no doubt that mollies can survive in a 10 gallon tank. Mollies may be kept in a variety of tank sizes without much difficulty. They prefer small and enclosed aquariums. Because of this, the minimum tank size for mollies may be as small as 10 gallons.
A ten gallon tank can easily house two to three mollies, but not all mollies and their vast variety of species grow to the same size.
Hence, these numbers can vary based on the species of molly you keep in your 10-gallon tank.
In order to maintain a perfect balance, it is highly recommended to keep one male and two female mollies together in a 10 gallon tank during the mating season.
Mollies are good for a 10 gallon aquarium
Mollies typically occupy a very small amount of space as they are small animals. A 10-gallon tank will suffice for the mollies.
Mollies require a minimum of a 10 gallon tank, so let us discuss some of the most solid reasons why a 10 gallon tank is sufficient for them.
The following are some of the most convincing reasons:
Mollies are typically small in size:
Typically, mollies are small, reaching a length of only 3.85 to 4.75 inches and not exceeding 5 inches in length. This is why they need such a small amount of space to live.
It is important to note that they can live in a 10 gallon tank.
Mollies need a small swimming area:
If you keep three mollies together, they would only need 9 gallons of swimming space. Mollies only need 3 gallons of swimming space in the entire tank.
When you keep them in a 10 gallon tank, they have an additional gallon to explore as their swimming space.
It is for this reason that a 10 gallon tank is an excellent choice for keeping your cute little mollies.
In a 10 gallon tank, how many of these fish can live with mollies?
Due to their calm nature, mollies are often referred to as “calm communal fish.” Due to their gentle nature, they enjoy living with many fish of the same species.
Mollies are also very social and can easily get along with other fish of the same species. Guppies, tetras, platies, and a variety of other fish are often housed with them in the same tank.
These fish live in peace and harmony together. You might be wondering how many of these fish can live in a 10 gallon tank with mollies.
The following is the maximum number of fish that can coexist with mollies in a 10 gallon tank:
Guppies and Mollies:
In a 10 gallon tank, you may keep 4–5 guppies with mollies. Guppies are normally peaceful fish and don’t take up a lot of space.
There is no problem keeping a minimum of four guppies and three mollies in your 10-gallon tank, but the number will depend on the kind of mollies you keep.
Platies and Mollies:
An aquarium of 10 gallons can hold 5-6 platies with mollies. Platies are a kind of tiny fish.
When compared to mollies, they take up approximately half as much area. As a result, many platies can coexist with a single molly fish.
Tetras and Mollies:
3–5 tetras can live together with three mollies in a 10 gallon tank. This number varies depending on the quantity of mollies and tetras.
There is a maximum limit of four glowlight tetras per 10 gallon tank.
How many fish can be kept in a 10-gallon tank with mollies?
Choosing a fish tank mate for your mollies involves a few considerations, including the size of the tank.
It is important that the molly ratio be matched with the fish tank buddy you will keep in the aquarium. If you keep too many fish in the tank with your mollies, you may have problems.
The following are some names to remember if you’re looking for a fish tank companion for your mollies:
- Guppy
- Endlers
- Platy
- Swordtail
- Neon Tetras
- Zebra Danio
- Monnows
- Corydoras
- Plecos
- Angelfish
Conclusions
One molly needs at least 3 gallons of water to swim freely in a tank, so three mollies can live happily and conveniently in a 10-gallon tank. Mollies reach adulthood at a length of 3 to 5 inches.