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Goal #1: Create a healthy environment for mollies to live and breed.
Goal #2: Design a natural-looking freshwater aquarium that supports my fish.
Goal #3: Learn the responsibilities of tank maintenance and water care.

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Common Name: Molly Fish
Other Names: Mollies (varieties include Black Molly, Sailfin Molly, Balloon Molly, Dalmatian Molly)
Scientific Name: Poecilia sphenops

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Mollies are freshwater fish from Central & South America. They eat algae, plants, and small bugs. They are peaceful, colorful, and easy to care for. Mollies can live in fresh or slightly salty water.

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Small, colorful, and very peaceful fish. They are livebearers like mollies and do best in groups. Guppies are active swimmers and add a lot of color to community tanks.

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Freshwater, sometimes brackish.

Facts:

1. pH 7.5–8.5 is best.

2. Hard water helps them.

3. Weekly water changes are needed.

Natural space: wide rivers, streams, coastal areas.

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Plants, driftwood, rocks, hiding caves.

Costs: $10–$40 each piece.

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Gravel

Cost: $10–$30.

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Purpose: light cycle, plants, colors.

Needed: Yes.

Hours: 8–12 daily.

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Purpose: stops jumping, less evaporation.

Needed: Yes.

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Range: 75–82°F.

Heater: Yes.

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Type: Hang-on-back or sponge.

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20 gallons minimum (group fish).

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Gills for oxygen.

Bubbler/air stone helps.

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Mollies are colorful, friendly, and easy fish. They need a 20-gallon tank with plants, and space to swim. A heater, filter, and hood keep them safe and healthy.

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Fish Type: LiveAquaria. (2023). Molly Fish Overview. Retrieved from https://www.liveaquaria.com

Description: Aquarium Co-Op. (2023). Molly Fish Care Guide. Retrieved from https://www.aquariumcoop.com

Fish Compatibility: Petco. (2023). Guppy, Platy, and Swordtail Care Sheets. Retrieved from https://www.petco.com

Water/Environment: Aquarium Co-Op. (2023). Molly Fish Care Guide. Retrieved from https://www.aquariumcoop.com

Aquarium Decor: PetSmart. (2023). Fish Tank Décor and Accessories. Retrieved from https://www.petsmart.com

Substrate:The Spruce Pets. (2023). Choosing Aquarium Substrate. Retrieved from https://www.thesprucepets.com

Tank Lighting:Fishkeeping World. (2023). Aquarium Lighting Guide. Retrieved from https://www.fishkeepingworld.com

Hood Cover:Petco. (2023). Aquarium Covers and Lids. Retrieved from https://www.petco.com

Temperature:Aquarium Co-Op. (2023). Molly Fish Care Guide. Retrieved from https://www.aquariumcoop.com

Filter: The Spruce Pets. (2023). Best Aquarium Filters for Different Fish. Retrieved from https://www.thesprucepets.com

Tank Size: PetSmart. (2023). Molly Fish Tank Requirements. Retrieved from https://www.petsmart.com

Air:Aquarium Store Depot. (2023). Do Fish Need Air Pumps? Retrieved from https://www.aquariumstoredepot.com

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Hardy, friendly fish that come in bright colors like red, orange, and yellow. They are easy to care for, livebearers, and get along well with mollies. Platies are active but not aggressive.

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Community fish known for their long “sword”-shaped tail fin. They are peaceful, grow a bit larger than mollies, and like to swim in open space. Swordtails are social and thrive with other livebearers.

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Gets along with:

1. Guppies – Small, colorful, and peaceful. Active swimmers that do best in groups.

2. Platies – Bright-colored, hardy, and friendly. Easy to care for and non-aggressive.

3. Swordtails – Known for their long “sword” tail, active but peaceful community fish.

Aggression: Community (peaceful if not crowded).