Gold-Black Molly

The Gold-Black Molly (Poecilia sphenops) is a stunning livebearer known for its beautiful contrast of golden and black coloration. These attractive fish feature a striking pattern where the front half of their body displays vibrant gold while the rear half transitions to deep black. Hardy, peaceful, and easy to care for, Gold-Black Mollies are excellent choices for community tanks and add both color and visual interest to any peaceful setup. Their unique coloration makes them stand out in any aquarium.

Care Sheet – Gold-Black Molly (Poecilia sphenops)

Temperament

• Peaceful, active, and social

• Best kept in groups with mixed genders or single-sex groups

Adult Size

• 3–4 inches

Minimum Tank Size

• 20 gallons for a small group

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 75–82°F

• pH: 7.5–8.2 (prefers slightly alkaline water)

• Hardness: Moderate to hard (10–20 dGH)

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate: <20–30 ppm

Diet

• Omnivorous (leans toward herbivorous)

• Feed a varied diet:

  • High-quality flakes or pellets

  • Spirulina-based foods for vegetable matter

  • Blanched vegetables and occasional protein

• Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily

Behavior & Compatibility

• Excellent for peaceful community tanks

• Compatible with:

  • Other livebearers, peaceful tetras, rasboras

  • Corydoras and other peaceful bottom dwellers

  • Peaceful gouramis and rainbowfish

• Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species

Aquarium Setup

• Planted tanks with open swimming space

• Moderate lighting to showcase gold-black contrast

• Moderate water flow

• Clean, well-oxygenated water

Care Level

• Easy

• Very hardy and beginner-friendly

Lifespan

• 3–5 years with proper care

Special Notes

• Stunning gold and black two-tone coloration

• Creates beautiful visual contrast in aquariums

• Very adaptable to various water conditions

• Breed readily in home aquariums