Can Mollies and Guppies Live Together?

A communal tank seems like a good idea if only there is harmony among different species.

In this case, can Mollies and Guppies live together?

Both are undeniably popular fish pets, and many would want to put them together.

The good news is they can live together but need to consider various factors.

Aggression is likely to occur if the living environment is against them.

Also, Guppies are more delicate than Mollies, requiring close attention while feeding them.

Discover more about these fish species below.

We’ll give a guide on everything you need to know about housing Mollies and Guppies together.

Understanding Mollies

Mollies are freshwater fish, but some varieties also inhabit brackish water.

Its scientific name is Poecilia sphenops, and it is also commonly known as Common or Short-finned Molly.

As a pet, they adapt well to most tank setups and are easy to care for.

These species are found abundantly in South and North America.

You will also see many cross-bred of this fish.

Mollies have different varieties, of which Common Molly is one which most are familiar with.

Regardless, there isn’t much difference in physical features among the variations.

It’s been reported that there are over thirty-nine different species of Mollies.

Some of the popular ones are:

• Balloon Mollies.

• Lyretail Mollies.

• Sailfin Mollies.

• Black Mollies.

• Dalmation Mollies.

When it comes to gender, it’s easy to identify.

Male Mollies have pointy anal fins and are smaller in size.

In comparison, females have broad anal fins.

Their diet is mainly plant-based, and they can survive in a water temperature of 72°F to 78°F.

The tank size requirement to house this fish is ten gallons, but it may vary depending on the quantity.

Understanding Guppies

Guppies are one of the most beautiful-looking fish species.

It’s not surprising that this fish is popular among aquarists.

It’s also easy to maintain and adapts well to most living environments.

Guppies thrive well in warm waters as they are originally from the tropical region.

However, it can mainly adjust to different temperature conditions.

The ideal water temperature for this fish is 64°F to 84°F.

Also, the tank size suitable for guppies is ten gallons, but you can opt for a larger size to give them more space to swim.

Guppies feed both on plants and animals.

In fact, it’s put out in the wild to eliminate mosquitoes.

However, doing this may pose a threat to its life if the environment doesn’t suit them.

This fish is small-sized, but female ones are larger than males.

Female Guppies reproduce fast, and it would be better to maintain a separate tank for the breeder if you plan to do a communal tank.

Can Mollies and Guppies Live Together?

Guppies and Mollies can live together as both are docile and belong to the same family-Poeciliidae.

They are peaceful and can live together without aggression from both ends.

However, it may go wrong if proper care is not taken.

These species may belong to the same family and have similar characteristics, but their nature is different.

Why may they not be a good tank mate? There are several reasons, such as water temperature, tank requirements, and diet.

Their aggressive nature may emerge if these aspects are not maintained according to their requirement.

Both are calm, but fights would ensue if the tank is overcrowded.

Also, for both Guppies and Mollies, the female ratio should be more than the male ones to avoid fights.

If these factors are considered, they will make a good tank mate.

These species already are from the same family with similar requirements.

It’s ultimately lies on you take care of it.

Both species have individual needs, and the pet owners must pay attention to it.

For instance, Mollies generally live in shallow parts of streams and rivers.

They mainly prefer sandy substrate.

So, while taking care of the tank, keep this sand substrate for this fish.

Keeping fish as a pet is quite challenging.

One has to pay for small details, from the diet to habitat.

However, it gets easier when you’re acquainted with the species and look after them accordingly.

Compatibility Considerations

Guppies and Mollies have similar characteristics but can be tricky at times.

Especially if you’re new, there is a lot you have to pay heed to.

Some of the factors you need to consider for these species to live together peacefully are as follows:

• Tank requirements: While Guppies can thrive in a ten-gallon tank, Mollies require bigger sizes. Therefore, it’s vital to consider this aspect if you plan to keep them together. In addition, keep the tank well-planted for Mollies. .

• Food: In this case, diet is less of a concern as both require the same nutritional needs. Just be sure not to feed them as it will produce more waste, dirtying the water. Feeding them twice a day will be ideal.

• Breeding: Guppies and Mollies are live-bearing fish. Around fifty babies are produced by a female guppy every thirty days, likewise for female Mollies. They also eat their babies. If you want to reduce breeding, set the tank temperature low, as warmer temperatures enable them to breed more. Also, if you’re going to raise the fry, keep them in a separate tank. .

Both species are aesthetically pleasing.

Keeping them together will make your aquarium beautiful and a visual treat.

There are also cases of hybrid breeds of these species, and it’s possible for cross-bred.

However, it’s rare and is less likely to happen in a tank.

If it happens, it will have the coloration of guppies and the physical features of a Molly.

Conclusion

Concluding the article, Guppies and Mollies make a compatible tank mate.

All you need is to take care of their essential needs, from water temperature to tank requirement.

Considering these aspects will allow them to live peacefully without interference.

Even if you’re new, you will get a hold of it once you understand their needs and requirements.

It may not be an easy task initially, but it gets easier once you get used to it.