Molly (Kohaku Ballon Highfin)

Kohaku Balloon Highfin molly bring koi-style red-and-white beauty to peaceful community tanks. Hardy, colourful and easy to keep. Ideal for beginners.

• Water Conditions: These guppies are adaptable but thrive in stable, well-oxygenated water between 22–28°C (72–82°F). Aim for a pH of 6.8–7.8 and a general hardness of 8–12 dGH — soft to moderately hard water suits them well. Ammonia and nitrite must always read zero, with nitrate kept below 20 ppm through regular maintenance. Consistency matters far more than chasing a "perfect" number, so avoid large swings in temperature or pH. A mature, fully cycled filter (sponge or baffled hang-on-back) provides the gentle flow they prefer, and a weekly 25–30% water change keeps conditions pristine. Because their compact balloon body leaves less room for internal organs, they are slightly more sensitive to poor water quality than standard guppies, so clean water is non-negotiable.
• Tank Size & Aquascape: A 40-litre (10-gallon) aquarium is the minimum for a small group, with 60 litres or more ideal for a thriving colony. Plant heavily with hornwort, Java moss, guppy grass and floating plants such as frogbit to provide cover, grazing surfaces and shade. A dark substrate or background makes the koi-red and white patterning pop. Leave open swimming space at the top, since highfin guppies spend much of their time near the surface.
• Suitable Tank Mates: Their peaceful nature makes them superb community fish. Ideal companions include other guppies, Endlers, small tetras (neon, ember, glowlight), chili and harlequin rasboras, corydoras, otocinclus, kuhli loaches, and peaceful snails. Cherry shrimp can work, though tiny shrimplets may be nibbled. Keep a ratio of at least two or three females per male to spread any male attention and reduce stress.
• Tank Mates to Avoid: Steer clear of fin nippers and boisterous species that will shred the long, flowing dorsal fin — tiger barbs, serpae tetras, black widow tetras, and aggressive bettas are poor choices. Large cichlids, goldfish, angelfish and any predatory fish will either bully or eat them. Also avoid mixing with guppy strains you do not want crossbred, as they interbreed freely.
• Feeding Habits: Omnivorous surface and mid-water feeders with small appetites. Offer a quality micro-pellet or flake as a staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworm and cyclops to boost colour and condition. Include spirulina or blanched spinach and peas for plant matter, which aids digestion. Feed two to three small portions daily — only what is consumed within two minutes — and fast one day a week. Balloon-bodied fish are prone to constipation and bloating, so never overfeed.
• Care Requirements: The balloon body shape is a genetic trait producing a shortened spine and rounded abdomen, while the high dorsal fin demands extra protection from nippers and sharp decor. Keep water quality high, avoid overfeeding, and provide fibrous foods to prevent swim bladder and digestive issues. Inspect fins regularly for rot and act quickly with clean water and treatment if needed. Avoid netting fish unnecessarily — a specimen container or cup is gentler on their compact bodies.
• Breeding & Sexing: Livebearers that breed readily. Males are smaller, slimmer and far more colourful, with a gonopodium and a large sail-like dorsal fin; females are larger, rounder and plainer. Females store sperm and drop fry roughly every 28–35 days. Fry are born free-swimming and thrive on crushed flakes, microworms and baby brine shrimp in a heavily planted tank.
• Health, Quarantine & Acclimation: Always quarantine new arrivals for two to four weeks before adding them to a display tank. On arrival, float the bag for 15 minutes, then drip-acclimatise over 30–45 minutes with the lights dimmed. Watch for ich, velvet, fin rot and columnaris, and maintain excellent filtration, stable temperature and low stress to keep your Kohaku Balloon Highfins vibrant and healthy for years.