Gold Calico

Appearance:

• Body Coloration: The Gold Calico Molly features a base color of gold or orange, with a calico pattern that includes black spots and patches. This combination creates a stunning and unique look, with each fish displaying a distinct pattern.
• Fin Variations: They may come in different fin types, such as sailfin or lyretail, enhancing their overall aesthetic appeal.

2. Size:

• Gold Calico Mollies typically grow to about 3-4 inches (7-10 cm), although larger individuals can reach up to 5-6 inches in well-maintained aquariums.

3. Lifespan:

• With proper care, Gold Calico Mollies can live for 3-5 years, though some may live longer with optimal tank conditions.

4. Behavior:

• Peaceful and Social: Gold Calico Mollies are generally peaceful and thrive in social groups. They do best when kept in schools of 3 or more to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.
• Livebearers: Like other mollies, female Gold Calico Mollies are livebearers, giving birth to live fry rather than laying eggs. They can produce 10-100 fry every 30-45 days.

Habitat & Tank Requirements:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a group of Gold Calico Mollies. Larger tanks are preferable for schools or mixed-species setups.
• Water Parameters: They prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH of 7.5-8.5 and a temperature range 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 enhance their health.
• Aquarium Setup: A well-planted tank with open swimming areas is ideal. Include hiding spots with plants and decorations to create a comfortable environment.

Diet:

• Gold Calico Mollies are omnivores and require a varied diet, including:
  • High-quality flakes or pellets formulated for tropical fish.
  • Vegetables like blanched spinach, zucchini, and peas.
  • Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms for added protein.
  • They also enjoy grazing on algae, which helps keep the tank clean.

Breeding:

• Gold Calico Mollies are easy to breed in captivity. To protect the fry from being eaten by adult fish, provide plenty of plants or use a breeding box.
• Breeding Tips: For best results, keep a mix of males and females and provide plenty of hiding spots for the fry.

Tank Mates:

• Gold Calico Mollies are compatible with many other peaceful fish, such as:
  • Guppies
  • Platies
  • Swordtails
  • Tetras
  • Corydoras catfish
• Avoid keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping species like certain barbs or cichlids.

Water Tolerance:

• These mollies are adaptable and can thrive in both freshwater and brackish water. Maintaining good water quality through regular changes and filtration is essential.

Health and Care:

• Common health issues for Gold Calico Mollies include Ich, fin rot, and fungal infections, usually resulting from poor water conditions.
• To prevent these issues, maintain stable water parameters, perform regular water changes, and provide a balanced diet.

Hardiness and Compatibility:

• Gold Calico Mollies are considered hardy fish, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Their friendly nature allows them to coexist well in community tanks.

Unique Color Pattern:

• The Gold Calico Molly is particularly appreciated for its unique and vibrant coloration, combining the beauty of gold with the dynamic patterns of calico. Each fish can exhibit a different mix of colors and patterns, making them a visually interesting addition to any aquarium.