Wild mollies can be extremely resilient. They are able to adapt to the most difficult of environments. But, artificially bred moles like the balloon belly molly with many birth defects are not as adaptable.
While balloon belly mollies are stunning, they come with a steep price. These fish were selected to be small and round. They have a curvature of spine that is unnatural.
They are more likely to suffer internal organ damage that can drastically reduce their life expectancy.
Because of the harsh lives these fish live, I do not support their purchase or raising them. If you’ve already brought them home, this blog will tell you everything you need to know about them and how to provide the best possible life for them.
Let’s begin with a brief introduction.
An Introduction to Balloon Belly Molly
| Name | Balloon belly molly |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia sphenops |
| Family | Poeciliidae |
| Color | Black, white, and yellow |
| Take care | Moderate |
| Breeding | Simple |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Temperature | 72-82degF (22.22-27.7degC) |
| pH | 6.7-8.5 |
| Minimum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
People have been raising mollies for over a century, especially sailfin mollies. Balloon mollies were only introduced a few decades back.
These fish are actually the result of the hybridization between the sailfin molly and the common sailfin. The man-made fish’ can be described in a certain sense. They are not naturally found in the wild.
There are many unique molly varieties available today, including the harlequin sailfin molly and the dalmatian molly. The balloon belly molly is the most striking.
These fish were specially bred to have a short, round shape to give them a balloon-like appearance.
These fish are proof that the old saying, “beauty comes at a cost”, is true. This topic will be discussed further below, as well as the appearance of the fish.
Continue reading!
Balloon Belly Molly Appearance
Balloon belly mollies, although controversial and artificial, are some of the most beautiful types of mollies. This fish gets its name because of their balloon-shaped belly, which uncannily looks like one.
The tail and fins have a very short length. The dorsal fin runs along the fish’s back. Their already stunning beauty is enhanced by the lyre-shaped caudal Fin.
The nose is slightly longer and more pointed than the rest of the face.
Balloon belly moles are bred with a sharp arch in their backs, which has led to an unnatural curvature for the spine. This feature is attractive, but it can also make them vulnerable to internal organ damage.
These fish can also be subject to artificial dying using needle injections to brighten their colors.
Balloon Belly Molly Size
The balloon belly mollies aren’t able to grow very large. They can grow to 3 inches (7.6cm) in length.
Balloon Belly Molly Colours
Black, white, or yellow are the most common and natural colors for balloon belly mollies. They are now available in many colors, including red, orange, and silver.
Multicolored and marbled variants are also very popular.
As I mentioned above, many fish are subject to artificial dying to create unique colors. This cruel treatment can often reduce their lifespans and possibly cause them to become sick. Make sure you choose wisely.
Types of Balloon Belly Molly
There are many types of balloon belly mollies available in different colors and shapes.
The following are the three most common types of balloon belly molly:
- Dalmatian balloon Molly Fish
- Red balloon molly fish
- Molly fish with Lyretail balloon
Balloon Belly Molly Lifespan
With the proper care and nutrition, balloon belly mollies can live for 3-5 years. Due to their unique shape, these fish can be extremely susceptible to various health conditions and may die prematurely.
They are genetically susceptible to many diseases because of their inbreeding and high production.
The mortality rate is very high.
Balloon Belly Molly Temperament
Balloon belly mollies, like all mollies in the family, are friendly and peaceful fish. They will be able to live in a tank with other fish of the same temperament and are not aggressive.
Balloon belly mollies, however, are fin nippers. They are generally friendly and peaceful, but they are known for being fin nippers.
To establish dominance over their territory or defend it, males are known to nibble the fins of others.
Balloon belly moles are curious fish that love exploring. They are shoaling fish who seek safety in numbers.
These fish might show aggression if the tank is getting too full.
Balloon Belly Molly Tank Mates
Because of their friendly personalities, balloon belly moles make excellent members of any community tank. You should keep them in a peaceful, friendly environment. This is because they are not able to compete with a strong tankmate.
Other balloon belly mollies are the best tankmates for balloon mollies. These fish are very shoaling. They should be kept at most in groups of 4.
Here’s a list of balloon belly molly-mate candidates:
- Guppies
- Platies
- Cherry barbs
- Dwarf gouramis
- Rosy barbs
- Tetras
- Zebra loaches
- Corydoras
- Swordtails
- Plecos
- Snails
- Shrimps
These fish should not be housed with aggressive fish such as green terrors and Oscars or convict cichlids and fire mouth cichlids.
Your balloon belly cichlids may be bullied unabated – possibly to the point where they are unable to breathe or become injured.
Water Parameters for Balloon Belly Molly
| Temperature | 72-82degF (22.22-27.7degC) |
| pH | 6.7-8.5 |
| 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 | Middle |
Tank Maintenance for Balloon Belly Molly
Even though they are small, balloon belly moles have a large appetite and generate substantial bioloads every day. You must be aware of all water parameters.
Water changes should not be skipped. There is no set rule about how often and how much water you should change. It all depends on the size of your tank and how many stockings you have.
A 30% water change should be done once a week. This will eliminate any toxins, growth-inhibiting hormones and dissolved solids from the water.
You should be extra careful with maintaining the tank environment for balloon belly mollies, as they are more likely to develop health problems.
For balloon belly mollies, even the smallest inconvenience could prove fatal.
Keep the tank’s ammonia- and nitrite levels at 0ppm. An increase in these compounds can lead to a loss of fish’s protective mucous membrane and expose it to pathogens that are waiting for their chance.
The API Freshwater Master Kit monitors five parameters of water: pH, high pH and nitrite as well as nitrate, nitrate and ammonia.
This liquid-based test is much more reliable and accurate than test strips.
Here are some daily, weekly/biweekly and monthly tasks that you can do to keep your tank healthy:
Daily Tasks
- Verify the filtration system
- The temperature and heater should be checked
- Take a headcount of the fish and observe them.
- Remove leftover food
- Turn up the water level
Weekly/Biweekly Tasks
- Clean the tank’s exterior surfaces
- Take out the inside of your glasses
- Remove all debris from decorations and plants
- Siphon the substrate
- Monitoring water parameters
- Perform partial water changes
Monthly Tasks
- Conduct water tests
- As needed, prune plants and deep clean decorations
- Do weekly/biweekly chores
- Change the filter media
- Examine tubing
- If necessary, fertilize plants
Minimum Recommended Size for Balloon Belly Molly
Mollies are often portrayed as fish that can be kept in small tanks. However, this is not true. Although balloon belly mollies rarely grow beyond 3 inches, their activity level and bioload, as well as their fragile health, require a large tank.
For a pair, the recommended minimum tank size is 30 gallons. Although some people believe it can be done in a 20-gallon tank too, I recommend a larger tank for these reasons:
- Smaller tanks are more prone to getting dirty quicker
- Smaller tanks have higher water parameters.
- Small tanks are not big enough to allow for exercise or other activities.
- Smaller tanks contain higher levels of growth inhibitor hormones
- Small tanks can lead to territorial disputes, and stress fish are more likely to be kept in small tanks.
Substrate and Decor for Balloon Belly Molly
For a balloon belly molly, a sandy substrate would work well with some decorative rocks and pebbles. Aragonite sand is a good choice for a balloon belly molly. It will disperse valuable minerals into the water.
If your fish are stressed, a few aquatic plants can provide refuge.
Even though balloon belly mollies are more likely to swim in the middle of the region, it would be nice to have some decors that could hide them.
Anubias and amazon sword are good options if you want to grow plants. There is one caveat.
Salt is a must for balloon belly mollies. This is not good for the plants. It can be difficult to create an environment that is conducive to both plants and mollies.
You should also avoid driftwood, as it can make the water more acidic.
Recommended Equipment for Balloon Belly Molly
Balloon belly mollies are more likely to have an Achilles’ heel than other types of mollies, so it is only right to give them the best equipment.
We have carefully researched and selected the following equipment to help you with your balloon belly molly. Take a look.
Penn-Plax Cascade Canister Filter
What We Love:
- Affordable
- Work at 185 GPH
- Media baskets with large capacity
- For easy maneuvering, flow valves can rotate 360 degrees
Caveats:
- Can you be loud
- It can be difficult to contact customer service
Hygger Titanium Aquarium Heater
What We Love:
- Completely automatic control
- Temperatures range from 32 to 104 degrees F
- Digital LED display
Caveats:
- The heating element could fall from the glass
Fluval Multi Chamber Holding and Breeding Box
What We Love:
- Space-saving design
- Good water circulation
- It’s great to raise fry and acclimatize
Caveats:
- The gap can be used to flush out the small fry
- Unsimple instructions
Balloon Belly Molly Diet
Balloon mollies can eat almost anything. They can eat a variety of foods, including meat. They prefer a plant-based diet because it is more suitable for their taste buds and physical needs.
These fish can’t be found in the wild so we don’t know their natural diet. Their wild cousins, however, consume aquatic insects, rotifers, and plants in large quantities.
For a consistent diet, we recommend focusing on healthy, high-quality flake foods or pellets. You can also supplement their diet with these:
- Algae
- Spirulina tablets
- Baked vegetables like zucchini, carrots, peas, and zucchini
- Freeze-dried crickets and bloodworms
- Brine shrimp
- Shredded and boiled chicken breast
- Aquatic plants
These fish have a small body so their digestive tracts can be distorted. These fish are susceptible to constipation and bloating, which can lead to death if they are not treated promptly.
We recommend that they not experiment too much in their diet. It is better to be safe than sorry. If you have doubts about a food item, don’t give it the benefit of the doubt.
Cooked and skinned beans can help fish with constipation or bloating. They are high in fiber and easy to digest.
Two meals per day are recommended. Make sure to remove any food that has been eaten quickly so water doesn’t get polluted.
Balloon Belly Molly Breeding
It is very easy to breed balloon mollies. They can easily overpopulate your tank within a matter of months. If you wish to encourage breeding, you can raise the water temperature and feed your fish a high-protein diet. These will do the trick.
Balloon Belly Molly Male VS Female
The gonopodium is an altered anal fin that male balloon belly mollies use to protect their gonopodium. It is pointy and thin. Contrary to this, the anal fins of a female are triangular and short, but fan-like.
A pregnancy spot is also present in females which helps them distinguish themselves from males.
Balloon Belly Molly Male To Female Ratio
Because males can be quite active in their search for mates, it is important to keep balloon belly mollies in a ratio of one male to two.
This will reduce the harassment and unduel aggression that females are bound to face.
When Do Balloon Belly Mollies Sexually Mature?
The age at which balloon belly mollies become sexually mature is 4-5 months. If you don’t want to raise their fry, you can separate the males from the females.
Balloon Belly Molly Spawning
Balloon belly mollies, also known as balloon belly mollies, are livebearers who give birth to 40-100 fry. They can also give birth every 30-45 days. They are prolific breeders, not to mention the fact that they can give birth as often as once every 30-45 days.
The number of fries that they produce is dependent on many factors, including age, size, and experience, as well as the environment and stress factors. Most often, larger and more experienced females give birth to fewer fry than smaller, less experienced ones.
A minimum 25-gallon tank capacity should be available for the breeding tank. It should also have good filtration and adequate lighting to encourage algae growth.
Balloon belly moles don’t form monogamous couples. Males will attempt to fertilize any female they see. He may flail his fins and do some shimmy to get the female to the mat.
The chances of mating are higher for the strongest and largest males.
The male will fertilize the eggs of the female if she consents. The male will then release milt, which is a fluid containing fertilizer, into the female’s opening.
How Long Are Balloon Belly Mollies Pregnant For?
Balloon belly mollies can become pregnant for 40 to 70 days. Factors such as age, size, health, and environmental factors can influence the length of gestation.
How To Know If Balloon Belly Molly Is Pregnant?
These five signs will help you determine if your balloon belly is pregnant.
- A distended and swollen belly
- Increased appetite
- Prominent Gravid Spot
- Aggressive and aloof behavior
- A bulge that is strong below the gills
Do Balloon Belly Mollies eat Their Babies?
Yes, babies are eaten by balloon belly mollies. You must therefore separate the mother and her children as soon as they are born.
These are 3 reasons why infanticide is performed by balloon belly mollies:
- The stress-inducing spillover response
- Helping weaklings
- A re-fuelling of fat stores
How to Care for Balloon Belly Molly Fry?
You should aim to set up a fully-cycled aquarium for your fry. If that is not possible, you could also use a breeding container.
To begin with, the tank should not be too large. A large tank will make it difficult for the fry to find food. A 10-gallon tank would be ideal.
You should maintain a temperature of 72-82degF (22.22-27.7degC), and use an air pump to ensure adequate aeration.
For filtration, choose a sponge filter to ensure that it doesn’t get in any fry.
You can leave the tank empty without any decor or substrate. These items will make it difficult for your fry to find their food.
Last, make sure you are changing your water regularly to prevent any harmful compounds from brewing.
What to Feed Balloon Belly Molly Fry?
Balloon belly mollies only measure 1/4 inch when they are born. You can see how small their mouths are. You can give micro worms to them, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and pulverized flakes, as well as a paste of egg yolk.
Balloon Belly Molly Diseases
Mollies are usually hardy and have an immune system that is quite strong. Balloon belly mollies can be susceptible to genetic defects that could pose a health risk.
Constipation
Constipation is more common in balloon belly mollies due to their compressed digestive tract. It is important to include fiber-rich foods into their diet.
Protein-rich foods like skinned beans, green curly lettuce, cucumber and spinach can be included in a person’s diet.
High-fiber foods are good for constipation treatment. Treat constipation by not giving fish pellets, flakes or frozen foods.
The most common laxative for aquarium fish is cooked and skinned beans.
To treat severe constipation, you can also use mild muscle relaxants such as Epsom salt.
Shimmying
Shimmying is a common behavior in livebearers such as mollies. It involves a violent rocking of your body in slithering motions that resemble a snake.
This disease is very common in mollies, and it’s even called Molly Disease.
These are the 3 most common causes of shimmying:
- Fish are forced to shimmy in order to warm up when the water temperature is low
- Low pH levels can cause skin irritation in fish due to acidic water.
- Low mineral levels can cause damage to the fish’s internal organs.
You can finetune your balloon’s living environment to maintain a pH of 7.0-8.0 and a temperature of 76-82degF.
To increase the mineral content, you can add supplements such as crushed coral, Seachem Equilibrium and Wonder Shell.
Ich
It can be fatal or harmless depending on how it is treated. The symptoms are caused by a protozoan called ciliate and appear as small white dots scattered across the body.
These are the most common symptoms of ich in mollies.
- The body is covered with small, white dots that look like salt grains.
- Flashing
- Scale loss
- Do not rub your body on different surfaces
- Appetite loss
- Listlessness
- Panting
- Bruising
These are the main reasons why an ich outbreak can occur in a fish tank:
- You forgot to quarantine your new fish
- Your mollies have a weak immune system because they are under stress.
- Your tank is filthy
Aquarium Solutions by IchX is a successful treatment for ich. is where you can find out more about it.
Final Words – Balloon Belly Molly Care Guide
For the same reasons I wouldn’t want jellybean cichlids, I would not get balloon belly moles. No judgment if you bring one home. I am only here to give your fish the best possible life.
It is important to understand that balloon belly mollies can be just as tough and resilient as regular mollies. These fish are susceptible to various health problems due to their compressed bodies and deformed spines.
They are also often infused with artificial dye to create the bright red and orange silver colors we see so often.
These fish are often untimely because of their high mortality rate.
You just need to ensure that your balloon belly molly is happy and healthy. Your balloon belly molly may live beyond its fifth birthday.
Best of luck!