The Gold Dust Molly is a selectively bred ornamental strain from the ancestral wild-type molly (Poecilia sphenops) that comes from Mexico, Venezuela and Colombia. One of the most adaptable fish in the aquarium trade, mollies are peaceful fish with males exhibiting a clear gonopodium, or modified point, behind their anal fin that aids in reproduction. Depending on the ornamental strain, males will also develop much larger dorsal fins than females. Gold dust mollies typically have a half gold half black body, with a dusting of black speckling or spots. Each individual can have a unique pattern! Mollies are livebearers, meaning that females will produce live fry (i.e., offspring) in abundance. It is best to keep multiple females per a single male, as male mollies tend to frequently harass females. These fish are very prolific without intervention, and sperm from males can be stored in females for several months. If you want to avoid your tank filling up with mollies, we advise to stick to purchasing one sex. Adult Gold dust mollies can reach a size of approximately 4″, with females averaging on the larger side.

Diet Requirements: Mollies are one of the unfussiest aquarium fishes. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 10 to 20 gallon aquarium is ideal for a group of Gold dust mollies, or mollies in general. Sizing up may be needed if you intend to have a large group for breeding purposes. While Gold dust mollies are relatively hardy and easy to care for, they would do best introduced into a biologically mature aquarium. Certain mollies can be sensitive to water parameters given the extent of selective breeding over decades, but generally speaking mollies will not do well in soft water or at an acidic pH level. If kept in these conditions, mollies will shimmy and exhibit clamped fins as they decline in health. The aquarium does not need to be aquascaped with anything in particular, but mollies do appreciate live plants and floating plant material. Gold dust mollies can be mixed with a wide variety of community type fishes that thrive in similar water parameters. Different ornamental strains of mollies can be mixed with no issue, but be aware that the “quality” of their offspring and subsequent generations will be decreased from mixing two, or more, very different gene pools. Serious molly breeders often stick to a single color strain to ensure that the genetic integrity of that type is maintained. Recommended water conditions, 72-82° F, KH 15-30, pH 7.0-8.5.

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