Creamsicle Gold Nugget

Appearance:

• Body Coloration: The Creamsicle Gold Nugget Molly features a stunning mix of creamy white and golden-orange hues, often with speckles or a "nugget" pattern that gives the fish its name. The head and belly are usually a soft cream color, while the back and fins show vibrant orange or gold.
• Fin Variations: Some varieties may have more elaborate fins, such as a sailfin or lyretail, adding to their aesthetic appeal.

Size:

• These mollies generally grow to about 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) in length, with some larger individuals reaching up to 5 inches in well-maintained environments.

Lifespan:

• The average lifespan of a Creamsicle Gold Nugget Molly is 3-5 years, but with optimal care, they may live longer.

Behavior:

• Peaceful and Social: These fish are peaceful and get along well with other community fish. They thrive in groups of 3 or more, where they exhibit lively, social behavior.
• Like other mollies, they are livebearers, meaning females give birth to live fry instead of laying eggs.

Habitat & Tank Requirements:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a small group, with more space needed for larger schools or if you have other species in the tank.
• Water Parameters: Creamsicle Gold Nugget Mollies prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH of 7.5-8.5 and a temperature of 72-82°F (22-28°C).
• Brackish Water: These mollies can tolerate slightly brackish water, and adding a small amount of aquarium salt can improve their health and vigor.
• Aquarium Setup: A well-planted tank with plenty of swimming space is ideal. Mollies enjoy both open areas and places to hide among plants or decorations.

Diet:

• Omnivores: Creamsicle Gold Nugget Mollies thrive on a varied diet, including:
  • High-quality flakes or pellets formulated for tropical fish.
  • Vegetables like blanched spinach, zucchini, or peas.
  • Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms for added protein.
  • They also enjoy grazing on algae growing in the tank, contributing to a healthy tank environment.

Breeding:

• Like other molly fish, Creamsicle Gold Nugget Mollies are prolific breeders. Female mollies give birth to 10-100 live fry every 30-45 days.
• To protect the fry, provide plenty of plants or use a breeding box to separate them from the adults.

Tank Mates:

• These mollies are compatible with other peaceful fish, such as:
  • Platies
  • Swordtails
  • Guppies
  • Tetras
  • Corydoras catfish
• Avoid housing them with aggressive or fin-nipping species like barbs or certain cichlids.

Water Tolerance:

• Creamsicle Gold Nugget Mollies are adaptable and can live in freshwater, brackish, or even marine conditions, though slightly brackish water is preferred.
• Regular water changes and good filtration are crucial for keeping them healthy, as they are sensitive to poor water quality.

Health and Care:

• Common health issues include Ich, fin rot, and fungal infections if water quality is not maintained.
• Regular tank maintenance and a balanced diet help prevent these issues.

Unique Color Pattern:

• The Creamsicle Gold Nugget color variation is highly prized due to its bright, eye-catching appearance. The fish’s creamy and golden-orange coloring resembles the popular frozen creamsicle treat, hence the name.