

Product Details

Temperament
Semi Aggressive
The Balloon Black Molly (Poecilia sphenops) is a peaceful, eye-catching livebearer perfect for freshwater aquariums with easy care and community compatibility.
🐟 Poecilia sphenops "Balloon Black" – The Gentle Jet-Black Beauty for Your Aquarium
The Balloon Black Molly is a striking variation of Poecilia sphenops, beloved for its jet-black coloration and distinctive rounded, balloon-like body. Popular among aquarists of all skill levels, this livebearer offers both aesthetic appeal and peaceful temperament, making it an excellent addition to planted tanks, community aquariums, and beginner setups. Known for their hardiness and interactive behavior, Balloon Black Mollies bring a bold elegance to any freshwater display.
✅ Key Features & Characteristics
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Unique Balloon Shape
Selectively bred for its compact, rounded body, the balloon molly stands out from typical molly varieties. This distinctive shape adds visual variety to your tank and appeals to collectors and casual aquarists alike. -
Solid Jet-Black Coloration
The deep, velvety black body contrasts beautifully with green plants, white sand, or vibrant tank mates, making them a true showpiece fish in any setup. -
Peaceful and Social
Balloon Black Mollies are non-aggressive and thrive in groups. They coexist well in community tanks with other peaceful species.
🌊 Ideal Water Conditions
To ensure optimal health and color vibrancy, provide the following water parameters:
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Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F)
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pH Level: 7.5 – 8.5
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Water Hardness: Moderate to hard (10 – 25 dGH)
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Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (larger preferred for groups)
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Filtration: Moderate flow with stable biological filtration
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Salt Tolerance: Can thrive in brackish water (optional low salinity)
These adaptable fish do well in both freshwater and low-salinity brackish environments. Consistent water changes and stable parameters are important due to their rounded shape, which can make them more prone to digestive issues and stress.
🧂 Compatible Tank Mates
Balloon Black Mollies are excellent community fish. Ideal tank mates include:
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Other livebearers (guppies, platys, swordtails)
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Corydoras catfish
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Tetras (neon, ember, or glowlight)
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Snails and peaceful shrimp (with caution)
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Gouramis, danios, and rasboras
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Avoid fin-nippers and large/aggressive species (e.g., tiger barbs, cichlids)
For best results, keep them in groups of 3 or more to encourage social interaction and reduce stress.
🍽 Feeding Habits
Balloon Black Mollies are omnivorous and easy to feed:
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Staple diet: High-quality flakes or micro pellets
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Supplement with:
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Algae wafers
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Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, peas)
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Frozen or live food (bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp)
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They enjoy grazing on algae in the tank, which supports their digestive health. Avoid overfeeding and monitor bloating, as their balloon shape makes them prone to constipation.
❤️ Care & Breeding
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Easy to care for, perfect for beginners
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Livebearers – females give birth to free-swimming fry; provide floating plants or hiding spots for baby fish survival
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Pregnant females may show a squared belly and should be separated into a breeder box if fry preservation is a goal
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Provide a balanced diet, regular water changes, and a peaceful tank environment to keep them thriving
Poecilia Sphenops "Balloon Black "
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Poecilia Sphenops "Balloon Black "
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Aquarium Fishes, Tanks & Supplies From Iven Betta Bukit Timah Clementi
