|
|
|
Livebearers
/ Poeciliidae / Short-finned Molly
Short-finned Molly, Pointed-mouth Molly
Poecilia sphenops | Pictures
Synonyms: Mollienisia
sphenops is the most common among more than 40 synonyms known.
Physical description: An elongated, laterally compressed fish with a pointed snout.
The caudal fin is fan-shaped.
The
color is highly variable ranging from the black molly to orange and blue forms.
The feral form has an olive-green back
and bluish flanks.
The flanks are spotted with orange spots, and the belly region is orange.
The iris of the eye is blue.
The
fins are brownish.
Size/Length: Females to 4.7" (12 cm), males to 3.2" (8 cm)
Similar species:
Mexican Molly (P.
mexicana)
Habitat: In fresh and brackish water in coastal areas from Mexico to Columbia.
S: middle, top
Aquarium: A 32" (80 cm) or 30 gallons (114 L) is suitable for adults.
Young can be kept in smaller tanks.
The
tank should be well-planted with plants and add floating plants to serve as a retreat for young.
Use wood and rocks for hiding places
and use a bright light to increase algae growth.
Water chemistry: pH 7.0-8.5 (7.6), 12-30 dH (20), 70-82°F (21-28°C).
A 0.5-1.5% addition of salt can be used,
although this is not required.
This can be accomplished by adding 4-11 TSP. of salt to every 10 gallons (5-15 g/10 L).
Social behavior: This peaceful species can be combined in a community tank with other species that can
tolerate hard, neutral to alkaline water.
Best to keep one male to several females.
Suggested companions: Xiphophorus,
Poecilia, Corydoras, Gouramis, Loricarids, tetras tolerant of hard,
alkaline water.
FOOD: Algae; live; worms, crustaceans, insects, insect larvae; plant matter; vegetable
matter; flakes; pellets
SEX: The male is slightly smaller, more colorful, and has a pointed anal fin (gonopodium).
Breeding techniques: As for other livebearers.
As many as 120 young are born after a gestation period of eight weeks.
Protect
the young from the parents for they will be consumed.
Breeding potential: 4.
An easily bred species.
Remarks: This species was originally crossed with
P. latipinna to produce a more disease-resistant
black molly.
Several different color morphs are available.
Difficulty of care: 2.
A robust species recommended for beginner's community tanks.
4.
The Black Molly is less hardy, and requires
warmer water temperatures from 77-84°F (25-29°C).
The Black Molly requires well maintained water
and rarely lives longer than three years in captivity.
Frequent partial water changes are essential for the health of all
morphs.
Recent articles about fish
Overfishing may hurt Amazon forest trees
(2/5/2008) Overfishing is reducing the effectiveness of seed dispersal by fish in the Brazilian Pantanal, reports Nature. The research suggests that fishing practices can affect forest health.
Scientists find fish that literally lives in trees
(10/17/2007) Scientists have found a fish that literally lives in trees, according to research published in The American Naturalist and highlighted in New Scientist Magazine.
Piranhas originated when Amazon was flooded by seawater
(12/4/2007) South America's piranha family of fish -- notorious as eaters of flesh -- can be traced back to a single ancestor which dispersed when the Amazon was flooded by seawater some five million years ago, report researchers from the Institut de Recherche Pour le Developpement (IRD). Today piranhas are exclusively freshwater fish found from the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela to the Parana in Argentina.
|
|
|
