# data[].attributes.body
Goal #1:
Make sure my fish have clean, healthy water and the right-sized tank so they can live comfortably and stay happy.

Goal #2:
Decorate the tank with plants, rocks, and space to swim so the fish feel safe and have fun exploring their home.

Goal #3:
Keep up with feeding and cleaning on a regular schedule to make sure the fish stay healthy—and take care of any baby fish if they’re born.

# data[].attributes.body
Common Name:
Tiger Molly

Other Names It Goes By:
Marbled Molly, Black Marbled Molly, or just Molly Fish

Scientific Name:
Poecilia sphenops

Description:
Tiger Mollies are freshwater fish known for their cool marbled pattern that looks kind of like tiger stripes, usually black mixed with silver, white, or orange. They come from warm, slow-moving rivers and coastal waters in Central America, especially in countries like Mexico and Honduras. Tiger Mollies are very active and social, which is why they like being in groups.

# data[].attributes.body
My fish get along well with Platies, Guppies, Swordtails, Corydoras catfish, Neon tetras

# data[].attributes.body
Corydoras catfish

# data[].attributes.body
A. Tank lighting helps you see your fish and decorations better, and it also helps live plants grow if you have them. It makes the tank look more colorful and natural, kind of like sunlight in an underwater world.

B. Yes, but not always for the fish. Tiger Mollies don’t need strong lighting, but if you have live plants, they do need light to stay healthy. Even if you don’t have plants, a basic light helps keep your tank looking nice and lets you check on your fish easily.

C. You should leave the light on for about 8 to 10 hours a day. Fish need rest too, so make sure to turn it off at night to give them a break. If you forget easily, a timer can help you turn the light on and off automatically.

# data[].attributes.body
Platies

# data[].attributes.body
A. I’m planning to go with fine gravel as my substrate. It’s smooth enough for the fish and still holds plants in place really well. Plus, it looks natural and is easy to clean with a gravel vacuum.

B. If I go with a natural-colored aquarium gravel, it would cost about $10 to $20 per bag, and for a 30-gallon tank, I’d probably need 2 bags, which means the total cost would be around $20 to $40.

# data[].attributes.body
A. Tiger Mollies live in freshwater, which means the water doesn’t have salt like the ocean. They are usually found in warm rivers, streams, and ponds in Central America.

B.

1. The water is usually warm, between about 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit (22–28°C).

2. The water is slightly alkaline, which means it has a pH level around 7.5 to 8.5.

3. The water tends to be hard, meaning it has more minerals like calcium and magnesium than soft water.

C. In their natural environment, Tiger Mollies have plenty of space to swim in open water but also places to hide, like plants and rocks. They usually live in groups that spread out over a few feet or more in rivers and ponds, so they’re used to having room to move around.

# data[].attributes.body
A. A hood cover goes on top of the fish tank. It helps keep the fish from jumping out, stops dust or stuff from falling into the water, and helps keep the water warm. Most hoods also hold the light, so it keeps everything in place.

B. You don’t have to have one, but it’s a good idea. Tiger Mollies can jump, and a hood keeps them safe. It also keeps your tank clean

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
What I want my aquarium decorations to look like

# data[].attributes.body
The type of decor I want to add is Live plants, fake plants, aquarium gravel or sand, rocks, driftwood, caves or hiding decorations, air stone

# data[].attributes.body
A. Tiger Mollies live in warm water in the wild. The temperature in their natural environment is usually between 72°F and 82°F

B. Yes, I will need a water heater to keep the tank at the right temperature. Room temperature can change a lot, and if the water gets too cold, the fish can get sick or stressed. A heater helps keep the tank warm and steady, which is important for keeping Tiger Mollies healthy and happy.

# data[].attributes.body
For a Tiger Molly tank, a hang-on-back filter is a great choice according to my article. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and does a good job keeping the water clean for a tank around 30 gallons.

Ex. AquaClear 30 or a Tetra Whisperer EX3O

# data[].attributes.body
Tiger Mollies need plenty of space to swim and hang out with their friends. A tank that’s at least 30 gallons is a good size for a small group of 5 or 6 fish. If the tank is too small, the fish can get stressed and unhealthy because they won’t have enough room to swim around.

# data[].attributes.body
Tiger Mollies get air mainly from the water. They breathe oxygen that’s dissolved in the water through their gills. They can also gulp a little air from the water surface if needed.

To make sure they have enough oxygen, it’s important to have something in the tank that moves the water, like a filter or an air stone that makes bubbles. This helps mix oxygen into the water so the fish can breathe easily.

# data[].attributes.body
I’m choosing to add live plants, a hang-on-back filter, and a hood cover to my tank because Tiger Mollies need clean, warm water with enough oxygen and places to hide. Live plants help keep the water healthy and give the fish places to feel safe. The filter keeps the water clean and moves it around so the fish can breathe better. The hood cover stops the fish from jumping out and keeps the tank cleaner. These things will help my Tiger Mollies stay happy and healthy.

# data[].attributes.body
Fishkeeping World. “Tiger Molly Fish Care Guide.” Fishkeeping World, www.fishkeepingworld.com/tiger-molly-fish/. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

Seriously Fish. “Poecilia sphenops (Molly).” Seriously Fish, www.seriouslyfish.com/species/poecilia-sphenops/. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

Aquarium Source. “Tiger Molly Care Sheet.” Aquarium Source, www.aquariumsource.com/tiger-molly/. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

The Spruce Pets. “Tiger Molly Fish Care.” The Spruce Pets, www.thesprucepets.com/tiger-molly-fish-care-1378224. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

LiveAquaria. “Molly Fish (Poecilia sphenops).” LiveAquaria, www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=470+472+642&pcatid=642. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

PetMD. “Molly Fish Care.” PetMD, www.petmd.com/fish/care/molly-fish-care. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.