24 Karat Molly

Species and Appearance:

• The 24 Karat molly is a color variation of the Poecilia latipinna or Poecilia sphenops species.
• They have a bright golden-yellow body with a metallic sheen, making them stand out in aquariums. The "24 Karat" name reflects this lustrous, gold-like color.
• Some may have subtle pattern variations, such as lighter shading on the fins or belly, but they predominantly maintain a vibrant yellow hue.

Size:

• These mollies typically grow to about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) in length, making them medium-sized for a community aquarium.

Lifespan:

• Their lifespan is typically 3 to 5 years, similar to other mollies, provided they are kept in healthy, well-maintained conditions.

Behavior:

• Like other mollies, 24 Karat mollies are peaceful and social fish.
• They are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live, free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs.

Habitat and Tank Requirements:

• Tank Size: A tank of at least 20 gallons is recommended, though larger tanks are better for groups.
• Water Parameters: They thrive in slightly brackish or freshwater conditions with a pH of 7.5-8.5 and a temperature of 72-82°F (22-28°C).
• Aquarium Setup: Dense plants, open swimming spaces, and a little salt in the water are ideal. Mollies are known to tolerate some salinity.

Diet:

• 24 Karat mollies are omnivorous and enjoy a balanced diet of high-quality flakes, algae, live foods (such as brine shrimp), and blanched vegetables like spinach and zucchini.
• They are also known to graze on algae growing in the tank, which helps maintain the aquarium’s ecosystem.

Breeding:

• 24 Karat mollies, like other molly varieties, are prolific breeders. Females can give birth to 20-100 fry every 4-6 weeks.
• If breeding, it’s best to separate the fry from the adults as they might eat their young.

Tank Mates:

• They do well in peaceful community tanks with fish like guppies, tetras, platies, swordtails, and small catfish.
• Avoid housing them with aggressive fish or fin-nippers like barbs or cichlids.

Water Tolerance:

• Like other mollies, 24 Karat mollies can adapt to various water types, including freshwater, brackish, and even marine setups.

Health and Maintenance:

• These mollies are relatively hardy but need clean water to avoid common illnesses like Ich or fin rot.
• Regular water changes and maintaining good water quality are essential for their well-being.