My friend, if you thought cows and dogs were the only ones that could spot these iconic black and white spots then you are wrong. Meet dalmatian molly, hands down the most beautiful fish that you have ever seen.

These fish are as charming as their looks. They are hardy, friendly, and all-around nice.

This article will cover everything you need to know about dalmatian molly so that they can be given the best possible care.

Let’s start with a quick overview.

Dalmatian Molly Overview

Name	Dalmatian molly
Scientific Name	Poecilia latipinna
Family	Poeciliidae
Genus	Poecilia
Color	Spots in black and white
Max Size	5 inches
Take care	Simple
Breeding	Simple
Diet	Omnivore
Temperament	Peaceful
Temperature	68-82degF (20-27degC)
pH	7.0-7.8
Tank Size	30 gallons

In the 1800s, Mollies were introduced to the aquarium hobby for the first time. In the 1920s, a variety of Mollies was introduced.

Dalmatian Mollies are thought to be hybrids of sailfin mollies, which originally lived in freshwater habitats across North Carolina, Texas, and the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula.

Although hybridized moles are common in artificial settings, they are rarely seen in the wild.

All species of molly fish have the ability to cross-pollinate with each other. This is why there are so many color morphs, patterns and shapes today.

The most stunning array of colors and patterns such as the dalmatian molly has been achieved through selective breeding.

Dalmatian Molly Livespan

A dalmatian molly’s average lifespan is between 2 and 5 years in captivity. Their lifespan is determined by their environment, their diet, and genetics.

Wild cousins live a much shorter life span. They live about a year after they reach sexual maturity.

Fish that reproduce frequently and prolifically in nature tend to live a shorter life span.

Males also die earlier than females due to their smaller stature.

Dalmatian Molly Appearance

Most likely, the Dalmatian mollies inherited their distinctive black and white spotted coloration of Poecilia alpinna, a sailfin molly.

These fish are unique in that they have black and white spots, just like the dalmatian dogs. This makes them stand out from other molly species.

These fish have thick, chunky bodies. The head and mouth have a pointed shape. The tails are convex.

The dorsal fin has a tall, angular shape. Male dalmatian moles often raise their dorsal Fin to intimidate rival males and impress potential mates.

Dalmatian Mollies have upturned faces that allow them to exploit oxygen-rich water surfaces. They are extremely adaptable and can live in oxygen-depleted areas.

The jaws also protrude slightly forward, making them an ideal scraping tool for removing algae from rocks or plants.

The appearance of dalmatian mollies (mainly their shape) can be divided into four types. Let’s take a look at them.

4 Types of Dalmatian Molly

These are the four types of dalmatian mollies, each with its own unique shape and features:

• Standard dalmatian molly
• Balloon dalmatian molly
• Lyretail dalmatian molly
• Sailfin dalmatian molly

Standard Dalmatian Molly

The standard dalmatian molly is the same size and color as the common molly. The shiny silver scales have beautiful black spots.

They can grow up to 5 inches in length. If taken care of properly, they can live for up to 3-5 years.

Balloon Dalmatian Molly

Balloon dalmatian Molly was bred for a round, short appearance similar to an inflated balloon. The fish is characterized by a high-arched back, a round belly and a caudal fin that resembles a lyre.

Beauty comes at a cost. The spine of a dalmatian molly is deformed and the internal organs are compressed. They are more likely to develop health problems than other varieties.

These fish can live up to 2-5 years and grow to be around 3 inches in length. These fish have a high mortality rate.

This article will provide more information about the horrible dying process these fish endure.

Lyretail Dalmatian Molly

Lyretail dalmatian mollies, also known as OG sailfin mollies, are color morphs for lyretail dalmatian mollies. Their distinctive feature is the lyre-shaped caudal Fin.

These fish have a unique marbled appearance thanks to their black-and-white patterned scales.

They can grow to around 3 inches in captivity and live for an average of 2-5 years.

Sailfin Dalmatian Molly

Sailfin dalmatian moles have a tall, large dorsal tail that runs from the back to the caudal fin. They also have beautiful black spots, which complete the look.

Sailfin dalmatian moles grow to about 4-5 inches in length and can live for approximately 3-5 years.

Dalmatian Molly Size

In captivity, a Dalmatian Molly can grow to 3-5 inches. Balloon and lyretail Dalmatian Mollies typically measure in at around 3 inches, while standard and sailfin dalmatian Mollies can grow up to 5 inches.

The most important factor in this situation is genetics. Breeders are more concerned about the colors than the size of hybrids, such as dalmatian mollies.

Fish farmers also make more money from fish that are young and thus relatively small than fish that grow slowly (and most likely larger).

The end result is that farmed moles varieties are much smaller than wild ones.

However, environment and diet are also important factors in determining the size of your dalmatian molly.

A small tank can, for example, stunt the growth of fish and stop them from reaching their full potential. Continue reading for more information!

Dalmatian Molly Temperament

The Dalmation Mollies are friendly, social fish that thrive in community aquariums. They are also very active swimmers and have a strong affinity for exploration. They are able to live in large tanks that have many decorations.

Unlike most fish, dalmatian mollies don’t school. They are shoaling fish. This means that although they travel together in large groups, they do it for social reasons and not to travel in particular directions.

One-quarter of all fish shoal their whole lives, and Molly is one such fish. She shoals in a group numbering in the thousands.

You can also expect to see similar behavior in the tank.

While dalmatian mollies tend to be peaceful, they can nip the fins of other dalmatian mollies when they are in a bad mood. Males are more likely to nip the fins of females in order to assert dominance or coax them to mate.

It is also common for males to create hierarchies and a pecking order. It could be fascinating to observe social interactions if you have sharp minds and a lot of time.

The Dalmatian Mollies are diurnal, just like us. They are awake during the day and fall asleep at night.

They are calm and non-aggressive, but they can also be very easy-going. They can be mean when the tank is too full or they are competing for a partner.

Lastly, dalmatian mollies don’t make good parents. They will eat their young children at any opportunity they get. Yikes!

The fry are born with no parental care and ready to take on the world. They just do it naturally. Impressive!

Dalmatian Molly Tankmates

Dalmatian mollies love to be around their own species. They are friendly and can be placed with fish of the same temperament, as they are non-aggressive.

Here is a list with tankmates compatible with dalmatian moles:

• Guppies
• Corys
• Platies
• Swordtails
• Dwarf gouramis
• Neon tetras
• Catfish
• Zebra loaches
• Rosy barbs
• Cherry barbs
• Shrimps
• Snails

Fin nippers are Dalmatian mollies. They shouldn’t be placed alongside fish with distinguished fins such as angelfish and bettas.

They are also not aggressive and will lose their position if they are placed with aggressive fish such as firemouths, green terrors or convicts.

Water Parameters for Dalmatian Molly

Temperature	68-82degF (20-27degC)
pH	7.0-7.8
General Hardness	12-25 dGH (200-416ppm).
Carbonate Hardness	10-25 dKH (178 -450 ppm).
Ammonia	0 ppm
Nitrite	0 ppm
Nitrate	Below 20ppm
Water Flow	Moderate
Swimming Region	Top and middle

Tank Maintenance for Balloon Molly

Mollies, in the wild, prefer to live in shallower waters. You can expect to see the fish in the middle or top of the water most of the times.

If all other parameters are correct, freshwater and brackish water can be good for Dalmatian mollies that have been bred in commercial environments.

Mollies are a very hardy fish. Mollies can adapt quickly to a variety of extreme conditions, including low oxygen levels, high salt, and high concentrations hydrogen sulfide, which would kill most fish in an instant.

It doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t or should.

At 0 ppm, the tank’s ammonia, nitrogen, and nitrite levels should be recorded.

For example, high ammonia levels can cause damage to the protective mucous membrane that protects fish. Your fish will then be susceptible to many deadly pathogens that are waiting to strike at the right moment.

According to what I’ve read, dalmatian mollies can be particularly sensitive to nitrate. Keep nitrate levels at 20 ppm in all circumstances.

Regular water changes can help with this. You can keep your water clean and healthy by stocking plants and sparingly feeding fish (especially bloodworms and protein-rich foods).

Here is a list of the things you should do every day, weekly/biweekly and monthly. The following list is not conclusive.

Daily Tasks

• Take a headcount of the fish and look for signs of abnormality.
• Make sure you have the right filter equipment
• The temperature can be read by checking the heating system.
• Turn up the water level
• Remove unfinished food immediately
• Notify us if you have any concerns about the logbook

Weekly/Biweekly Tasks

• Monitoring water parameters
• Use non-ammonia cleaner to clean the tank’s exterior.
• Remove all debris from decorations and plants
• To remove any algae, scrape the glass from the inside.
• Siphon the substrate
• Do a partial water changing
• Notify us if you have any concerns about the logbook

Monthly Tasks

• Use a liquid-based water test to perform water tests
• As needed, trim live plants
• Rocks and deep clean decors
• Examine tubing
• Change the filter media
• Perform weekly/biweekly tasks
• Fertilize plants when necessary

A quick product recommendation: API Freshwater Master Test Kit

This one is our favorite. A liquid-based test is much more reliable and accurate than strips tests.

Osmosis In Dalmatian Mollies

Freshwater fish lose salt and gain water. Seawater is the exact opposite. The fish absorb salt and lose water.

Both can prove fatal if they are not treated in time. The first case will cause the fish to swell with water, while the second causes the fish to become dehydrated.

Amazingly, mollies can adapt their bodies quickly to survive in both salty and fresh environments. According to what I’ve read, they have been raised in high-strength seawater and kept clean.

Dalmatian Molly’s Amazing Respiration Ability

Mollies, like all fish, breathe oxygen by taking water from the atmosphere and pumping it through their gills.

Their ability to tolerate stagnant, low-oxygen water is what sets them apart from other livebearers. Mollies will swim up to the top of the mountain and pump the oxygen-rich water through their gills.

To absorb more oxygen from the water, they can increase their hemoglobin levels.

It’s not a good idea to force Mollies to breathe this way in an aquarium. Their well-being is dependent on an air pump.

Salt For Dalmatian Molly

Mollies can get fungal and bacterial infections if they are exposed to acidic, soft conditions. Tonic salt is a small amount of sodium chloride that can be used to control the situation. Tonic salt is sodium chloride.

One to two teaspoons is recommended for every 10 liters or 2.1 gallons.

Minimum Recommended Tank Size For Dalmatian Molly

Dalmatian mollies require plenty of space because they are an active species. They are also voracious eaters and produce a lot of bioload daily. They are not suitable for small tanks.

They are shoaling fish and should be kept in groups of at least four. A 30-gallon tank is ideal.

You can add two dalmatian moles to a 10-gallon tank, but this is not recommended.

The calculation does not take into account the space taken up by decorations, plants, or substrate. This rule is best avoided.

Let me briefly explain why you should choose a larger tank whenever it is possible.

• Even smaller tanks offer less room for error.
• A small tank can quickly accumulate harmful compounds.
• Even the smallest change in one part of the tank can have a ripple effect on the whole tank.
• The concentration of growth-inhibiting hormones in smaller tanks is higher.
• Small tanks are not big enough to allow for exploration and exercise.
• Fish are stressed by small tanks.

Substrate And Decor For Dalmatian Molly

For dalmatian mollies, a sandy substrate is preferred. Aragonite sand would be my choice since it disperses minerals in the water that mollies require.

To protect themselves from predators, they love to be under or near floating vegetation. This is something to keep in mind as you plan your decor.

We recommend duckweed, java moss and amazon frogbit as floating aquarium plants to your dalmatian mollies.

However, dalmatian mollies require salt to be added to their water as they age. This might not be good for plants. When choosing a plant, bear this in mind.

You can add rocks and caves to your tank to make it look better. They will also be a refuge for you when you need some alone time.

Use driftwood sparingly, as it can lower the pH and make the water more acidic. Acidic water can legit burn your dalmatian molly’s skin.

Recommended Equipment For Dalmatian Molly

We searched the web, read reviews so that you don’t have too, and came up with our selection of equipment for dalmatian moles.

The list includes a heater, a heater and a breeding container that can be used to raise fry.

Penn-Plax Cascade Canister Filter

Pros:

• Excellent value for money
• Powerful – Functions at 185 GPH
• 2 large media baskets
• For easy maneuvering, flow valves can rotate 360 degrees

Cons:

• Can be loud
• It can be difficult to reach customer service

Hygger Titanium Aquarium Heater

Pros:

• Fully automated control system
• Durable titanium tube
• Temperature ranges from 32 to 104 degrees F.

Cons:

• The heating element could fall from the glass

Fluval Multi Chamber Holding and Breeding Box

Pros:

• Space-saving design
• Good water circulation
• Excellent for raising fry and acclimatization

Cons:

• The gap can be used to flush out small fry
• Unsimple instructions

Dalmatian Molly Diet 

Technically, Dalmatian Mollies are omnivores because they eat both plant and meaty foods like insects, worms, and small crustaceans.

Their diet is overwhelmingly made up of plant material, so they could be considered herbivores. They love to eat algae.

Spirulina flakes or pellets are great choices for a staple diet. However, meaty foods like bloodworms should only be eaten once or twice per week, even though they will be devoured by your mollies.

Brightly lit tanks may be able to support enough algae growth for your dalmatian molly’s needs. Fortify your dalmatian molly with tablets or wafers made from algae.

In the wild, bloodworms and meaty foods like them would be very small parts of their diet. It would be wise to not give this type of food often.

Here is a list of healthy foods that dalmatian moles can eat.

• Flake Food
• Pellets
• Algae wafers
• Algae tablets
• Baked vegetables like zucchini, cauliflower, and peas
• Brine shrimp
• Aquatic plants
• Worms
• Crickets

For feeding frequency, you should eat two large meals per day and 3-4 small meals per day. Removing leftovers should be done immediately after they are finished eating.

Here’s a link for algae wafers from Hikari USA

Breeding Dalmation Molly

It is easy to breed a dalmatian molly. This fish reproduces easily and prolifically.

You should also be aware that dalmatian mollies are capable of mingling with any other species. This can lead to a variety of tail shapes, colors, and patterns.

Before we get to the details, here is a beautiful video of a dalmatian molly giving birth.

Dalmatian Molly Male VS Female

Male mollies are usually smaller than their female counterparts. The gonopodium is a special anal fin for males. Females have anal fins that are regular.

The gonopodium of the male is its most distinctive characteristic. Gravid spots are also present in females. It’s difficult to identify because of the unique patterns they have on their bodies.

Dalmation Molly Male To Female Ratio

In dalmatian mollies, the ideal ratio would be 1 male to 2 or 3 females. Males can be cruel and bully their female partners during the breeding season.

A higher number of females means that they are more aggressive.

When Do Dalmatian Mollies Sexually Mature?

Dalmatian mollies are sexually mature at the age of 4-5months. You should not be looking forward to raising your fry.

Dalmatian Molly Spawning

Like all mollies in the family, Dalmatian mollies are also livebearers. If the environment is favorable, they can reproduce like rabbits. I am not exaggerating. They can reproduce anywhere from 40 to 100 fry every 30 to 45 days.

Experienced and older females usually give birth to more fry and have a shorter gestation time.

A minimum of 25 gallons should be enough for a breeding tank to house dalmatian mollies. It should also be equipped with adequate filtration, heating and aeration to encourage algae growth.

Dalmatian mollies don’t form monogamous pairs. Males will mate with any female they see. Flashing, shimmying and nipping are all part of the male’s “courting” process.

To deposit sperm in the female mollies, he will use anal fins that double up as narrow copulatory or specialized anal organs.

The sperm is internalized by females. They can also store the sperm in their system for a few months.

This is a unique adaptation that ensures their population does not shrink even if male mollies are removed from the group.

How Long Are Dalmatian Mollies Pregnant For?

The gestation period for a dalmatian molly is 40 to 70 days. The gestation period of a dalmatian molly is shorter if she is older and more experienced. The environment and stress level play an important role in determining the length of gestation.

How To Know If Dalmatian Molly Is Pregnant?

The most obvious signs that a dalmatian mollie is pregnant are:

• Swollen and distended stomach
• Increased appetite
• A noticeable gravid spot
• Aggressive behavior
• Strong bulge under the gills

Do Dalmatian Mollies Eat Their Babies?

Yes, dalmatian mollies eat young ones.

These are the three possible causes of this phenomenon:

• An overreacting response to stress
• Weeding out weaklings
• A re-stocking of fat

How To Care For Dalmatian Molly Fry?

A 10-gallon tank is ideal for dalmatian fry. A large tank is not necessary as the fry will struggle to find their food.

A sponge filter should be installed in the tank to ensure that fry don’t get sucked into it.

To ensure a stable temperature and proper air flow, you should also install an air pump.

Keep the tank empty to make it easy for the fry to find their food. Decors and plants can be left out.

You can feed them pulverized flake foods, boiled egg yolk paste, baby brine shrimp and daphnia. Microworms can be added to supplement the diet.

Final Words: Dalmatian Molly Care Guide

The Dalmatian Mollies are beautiful to look at and very easy to take care of. Congratulations if you have brought one! Congratulations! !

Dalmatian mollies are hybridized with sailfin mollies. They are not usually found in the wild.

As long as they are given the right environment, and a healthy diet, they don’t need any special care. They also breed very quickly and easily.

We hope you found this guide helpful. We wish you all the best!