Balloon Molly
Poecilia sphenops var.
Family: Poeciliidae • Origin: Various
Balloon Molly (Poecilia sphenops var.) is a peaceful livebearer reaching 3 inches. Keep in groups of 3+. Minimum tank size: 10 gallons.
Min Tank
10 gal
Max Size
3"
Temperature
72-82°F
pH
7-8.5
Lifespan
5 years
School Size
3+
Swim Level
middle
Hardness
5-15 dGH
peacefulbeginneromnivoreschooling
Care Tips
- • Max size: 3 inches
- • Temperature: 72-82°F
- • pH: 7-8.5
- • Schooling — keep 3+ together
- • peaceful temperament — safe with community fish
Feeding: Standard omnivore diet. Accepts foods appropriate for Poeciliidae species.
Compatibility Notes: Typical peaceful Poeciliidae species.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 10 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 15 gallons
- Swimming Level
- middle
- Minimum School Size
- 3+ fish
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 72–82°F
- pH Range
- 7–8.5
- Hardness (dGH)
- 5–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Aggression Level
- 1/5
- Schooling
- Yes
- Territorial
- No
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- omnivore
- Growth Rate
- moderate
Typical peaceful Poeciliidae species.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- live bearer
- Breeding Difficulty
- moderate
- Lifespan
- 5 years
Ideal For
10 gallon
Compatible Tank Mates
View all →
Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
73-81°FpH 5.5-7.510+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+1.6"
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
72-82°FpH 6-7.520+ gal
semi-aggressiveschooling 6+1.75"
Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
70-82°FpH 6-7.515+ gal
peacefulschooling 5+3"
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
75-81°FpH 6-7.530+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+3.5"
Betta Fish
Betta splendens
76-82°FpH 6.5-7.55+ gal
semi-aggressive3"
Guppy
Poecilia reticulata
72-82°FpH 6.8-7.810+ gal
peacefulschooling 3+2.5"
Similar Species
Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus
70-80°FpH 7-810+ gal
peacefulschooling 3+3"
Molly
Poecilia sphenops
72-82°FpH 7-8.520+ gal
peacefulschooling 3+4.5"
Variatus Platy
Xiphophorus variatus
68-77°FpH 7-810+ gal
peacefulschooling 3+2.5"
Limia Nigrofasciata
Limia nigrofasciata
72-82°FpH 7-8.510+ gal
peacefulschooling 4+2.5"