Orange Tail Marble Molly (Poecilia sphenops)

Orange Tail Marble Molly (Poecilia sphenops) is a beautiful and hardy livebearer, popular for its striking marbled body pattern combined with a vivid orange tail. 

Appearance

• Color Pattern: Black and white marbled body with a bright orange tail.
• Size: 3–4 inches (7–10 cm) for males; females can reach up to 4.5 inches (11–12 cm).
• Tail Variants: Often available in standard or lyretail forms. 

Temperament

• Peaceful and social; ideal for community tanks.
• Best kept in groups with a ratio of 2–3 females per male to reduce stress. 

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons for a small group; larger tanks recommended for stability.
• Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C).
• pH: 7.5–8.5 (slightly alkaline).
• Hardness: 8–25 dGH; tolerates slightly brackish water.
• Décor: Provide plants, hiding spots, and open swimming space.
• Filtration: Good filtration and regular water changes (25–30%). 

Diet

• Omnivorous: High-quality flakes or pellets as staple.
• Supplement with:
  • Vegetables: Blanched spinach, zucchini, peas.
  • Protein: Brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, bloodworms.
• Mollies also graze on algae, helping control algae growth. 

Behavior & Tank Mates

• Compatible with peaceful species like Platies, Guppies, Corydoras, and small tetras.
• Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping fish. 

Breeding

• Livebearer: Females give birth to 20–150 fry after ~28 days gestation.
• Provide dense vegetation or breeding boxes for fry survival.
• Females can store sperm, producing multiple broods from one mating. 

Quick Facts

• Lifespan: 3–5 years.
• Origin: Central and South America (Mexico to Colombia).
• Hardy and beginner-friendly, but sensitive to poor water quality.