Molly

The molly is a livebearing freshwater fish (family Poeciliidae) native to Central America and the southern United States, where it inhabits fresh and brackish coastal waters. Selective breeding has produced many forms, including black, silver, dalmatian, and lyretail varieties, with the common short-finned type reaching a robust, rounded body shape. Mollies are peaceful, active, and social, doing best in groups with a majority of females to spread out male attention. They tolerate a wide range of conditions and appreciate slightly hard, alkaline water; a touch of salt is often beneficial though not essential. A planted tank with open swimming space suits them well alongside other peaceful community fish. They are omnivores that graze algae readily and accept flakes, pellets, and vegetable matter. As livebearers they breed easily, producing free-swimming fry that need cover to survive.