Temperature21 – 26 °C (70 – 79 °F)
In the trade this fish is sold as Molly Gold, or gold molly; it is often called yellow molly as well. The gold molly is a cultivated form, not found in nature. It was developed by crossing popular Poecilia species such as Poecilia velifera, Poecilia latipinna, and Poecilia sphenops, along with their hybrids, to achieve the distinctive coloration.
The gold molly is a cultivated form created by crossing different Poecilia species. These fish have a bright, solid yellow or golden body colour; spots or patches of other colours are not typical of a pure line. Body and fin shape varies depending on the parent species, and may include lyretail varieties and fish with enlarged dorsal fins. The sexes differ visibly: males are slimmer and have a specialised reproductive organ called a gonopodium, while females are larger with a rounded belly.
The parent species, such as Poecilia sphenops, inhabit freshwater and brackish waters in Central and North America, from the southern United States through Colombia and Venezuela. They often live in river mouths and coastal zones. In nature they prefer densely vegetated areas that provide shelter, and waters with stable conditions, though they are adaptable to a range of environments.
Gold mollies are peaceful and active. In a small tank, keep more females than males so the males do not pester them. They get along well with other fish of similar size. The one exception is large, aggressive predators — do not keep them together.
Keeping gold mollies is much like keeping other molly varieties. For a group of 3–4 fish, a spacious tank of 100–150 litres is ideal. Maintain a temperature of 23–28°C, keep the water clean, and monitor water pH at 7–8 and water dH at 10–20. Plant the tank densely with aquatic plants. Gold mollies do well in slightly brackish water, so this is an option if it suits other tank mates. Long-term health depends on regular tank maintenance, including waste removal and water changes, a well-balanced diet, and compatible tank mates.
Gold mollies are omnivorous and need a varied diet that must include plant material every day. Commercial flakes or pellets designed for mollies are the most convenient option. Be aware that delicate plants may be damaged by these fish; choose fast-growing, hardy species for the tank.
If you have a breeding pair, fry will almost certainly appear. The young are born fully formed and ready to eat immediately. Adult fish do not care for their young and will eat them if they get the chance.
This species is sensitive to sudden swings in temperature and water quality, which can weaken immunity and lead to infection. Gas bubble disease can occur if tap water is not left to stand before use, and chilling causes colds. To prevent problems, maintain a steady temperature, provide good filtration and aeration, and keep the substrate clean with regular water changes.
When choosing fish, look for active individuals with no visible damage, scale cloudiness, or signs of poor condition. Avoid fish with clamped fins, unusual behaviour (lethargy or restlessness), or body deformities. Buy from reliable sources that maintain proper stocking densities and tank hygiene.
The essentials: size, tank volume, water parameters and care
An adult reaches 8–12 cm in length. Plan the tank around the maximum size: the fish quickly outgrows a cramped setup.
The recommended volume is 150 L. A smaller tank speeds up nitrate build-up and raises stress levels.
Temperature 21–26 °C, pH 7–8.5, hardness 15–30 dGH. Stability matters more than exact values: sudden swings are harder on the fish than a small deviation from the ideal.
Around 4 years when kept properly. Lifespan depends directly on tank volume, water quality and a varied diet.
Temperament: peaceful (regular). Keep this in mind when choosing tank mates.
Recommended setup: mixed (solitary / pair / group). Ignoring this is a common cause of stress and disease.
Diet type: mixed diet (meat + plant-based). Feed small portions that are finished within a couple of minutes — overfeeding does more harm than underfeeding.
The scientific name of the species is Poecilia sphenops, family Poeciliidae. It also appears in the literature as: Gambusia modesta, Gambusia plumbea, Lembesseia parvianalis.
The water suits 114 of 208 plants in the catalogue — the easiest ones are shown first.
African Onion PlantAfzelius's AnubiasAmazon FrogbitAmazon SwordAnacharisAnubiasArrowhead CryptDwarf CloverDwarf CloverDwarf HygrophilaDwarf SagittariaDwarf ValGuppy GrassHornwortJava MossMoneywortMud SwordNair's LagenandraNarrow Leaf AnacharisNarrow-leaf CloverStringy MossTaiwan MossTape GrassUssuri Watermilfoil
Matched by family, categories and overlapping keeping conditions
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