Amazon Molly

The Amazon molly takes its name not from the river in South America but from the female warriors of legend: every individual of the species is female. It arose from an ancient hybridization in the wild between the sailfin molly (P. latipinna) and the Atlantic molly (P. mexicana). To reproduce, the females mate with males of these species, but the male's genes are not passed on to the fry; the sperm only triggers embryo development, and the fry are genetic copies of their mother. In appearance it resembles a plain, olive–silver female molly.

• At least 100 liters and an 80 cm tank length for a small group.
• 24–27°C, pH 7.5–8.5, hard water; 1–3 g of salt per liter is optional.
• Tough-leaved plants along the edges, stones that grow algae, plenty of swimming space.
• A 25–30% water change every week.

A plant-leaning omnivore. Spirulina flakes, algae tablets and blanched vegetables should be the staple, supplemented with frozen brine shrimp and daphnia.

Peaceful and calm. For reproduction, a male sailfin molly or Atlantic molly must be present in the aquarium; because these males prefer females of their own species, Amazon molly females should outnumber them.

Good companions: sailfin molly and Atlantic molly males, swordtails, platies, rainbowfish suited to hard water, Ancistrus plecos.

Avoid: species that need soft, acidic water, fin-nipping barbs, large and aggressive cichlids.