Our Guide To Keeping Liberty Molly Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Poecilia salvatoris
   • Common name: Liberty Molly
   • Family: Poeciliidae
   • Origin: El Salvador, Central America
   • Adult length: Up to around 7.5 cm
   • Lifespan: Around 3 to 5 years
   • Diet: Omnivore with a strong need for vegetable matter
   • Care Level: Moderate
   • Temperament: Active and lively, but can be nippy and males may be quarrelsome

2. Tank Setup:

   • Liberty Mollies do best in a spacious, well-filtered aquarium with plenty of swimming room. A minimum tank size of around 90L is sensible for a small group, with a larger aquarium preferred if keeping several males.
   • Use hardy plants, open swimming areas, and some cover from wood or rockwork so the fish can establish space without constant conflict.
   • A secure cover or lid is a good idea, as this species can be lively and prone to jumping.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Liberty Mollies prefer neutral to alkaline water, with a pH range of around 7.0 to 8.2.
   • Keep the water temperature between 24 to 28°C.
   • Moderately hard to hard water is generally best for long-term health.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • A good quality filter is recommended to keep the water clean and stable.
   • Gentle to moderate water flow is suitable, with good oxygenation throughout the aquarium.

5. Diet:

   • Liberty Mollies are omnivores and should be offered a varied diet of quality flake, pellet, and algae-based foods.
   • They particularly benefit from vegetable matter such as spirulina, blanched spinach, courgette, and other plant-based foods.
   • Live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworm can be offered as occasional supplements.

6. Tank mates:

   • Liberty Mollies can be kept with other robust, peaceful community fish that enjoy similar water conditions.
   • Suitable tank mates may include other livebearers, rainbowfish, peaceful bottom-dwellers, and similarly active community species.
   • Avoid slow-moving or long-finned fish, as Liberty Mollies may nip fins, especially if cramped or kept in poor numbers.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Liberty Mollies are active livebearers that are best kept in groups, ideally with more females than males to reduce pressure and aggression.
   • Males can be quite pushy with one another, so extra space and visual barriers are helpful.
   • This species is best suited to aquariums with stable, harder water and tank mates that can cope with an energetic fish.