Liberty Molly

The liberty molly was long sold in the hobby as a local form of the common molly (P. sphenops); today it is recognized as a separate species, and its scientific name refers to El Salvador. The males' silvery–blue body is decorated with orange–red and black spots; their dorsal and tail fins carry orange, black and white color bands. Females are silvery and plain.

Unlike the color varieties of mollies in stores, it is not a bred form but a species kept in its wild colors. Although its colors are very vivid, the males' tough temperament makes it unsuitable for small aquariums.

It lives on the Pacific coast of Central America, especially in the coastal rivers and lagoons of El Salvador and in brackish waters that mix with the sea. These waters are warm, hard and sometimes slightly salty. The fish graze in shallow, sunlit, algae-covered shore areas.

• Volume: at least 100 liters for one male and 3 females; 150 liters or more for more than one male.
• Water: 25–28°C, pH 7.5–8.5, hard water. 1–3 g of salt per liter is optional and increases hardiness.
• Layout: stones, roots and tough-leaved plants that create sight barriers; preventing the males from seeing each other constantly reduces aggression.
• Maintenance: a 25–30% water change every week.

A plant-leaning omnivore. Spirulina flakes, algae tablets and blanched vegetables should be the staple. Frozen brine shrimp and bloodworms are given a few times a week. It constantly grazes soft algae on the stones.

Males are aggressive among themselves and can wear out a weaker male in a small aquarium. It may also act dominant toward other species and chases similar-looking mollies. Females are calmer.

Good companions: swordtails, large platies, rainbowfish suited to hard water, Ancistrus plecos, peaceful Central American species.

Avoid: other molly species (fighting and hybridization), small and shy fish, long-finned guppy forms, species that need soft water.

It is kept in a harem arrangement: 3 females per male is ideal. More than one male should only be kept in a large, divided aquarium with enough space for each male. As the number of females increases, the male's pressure does not concentrate on a single female.

A livebearer. Gestation lasts about 4–5 weeks; the female gives birth to 10–40 fry. The fry are fed crushed flakes and spirulina powder from day one. Adults may eat the fry; dense plants or a separate grow-out aquarium reduce losses. Because it hybridizes easily with other mollies, the pure line should be kept separate.

Hardy in hard, clean water. "Shimmying" and columnaris are seen in soft water, and fight wounds in crowded conditions. Fin rot may start in bite wounds; water quality must be improved and the males separated.

Males are colorful, have a gonopodium and a tall, patterned dorsal fin. Females are larger, plain silvery in color and deep-bellied; their dorsal fins are small and colorless, and their anal fins are fan-shaped.