Short-finned Molly

Poecilia sphenops

A versatile livebearer that tolerates hard, even brackish water. Males reach 8 cm while females can grow to 12 cm.

Care Parameters

Adult size

12 cm

Min tank

81 L

Temperature

21–28°C

7–8.5

15–30 dGH

Diet

Omnivore

Temperament

Peaceful

Water zone

All levels

Difficulty

Beginner

Schooling

Best in groups with more females than males.

Suitable Plants

Flame Moss

A unique aquarium moss with upward-growing fronds that resemble flames. Creates a distinctive vertical texture different from traditional trailing mosses.

Staurogyne repens

Care profile for Staurogyne repens: medium light, low CO₂, beginner difficulty.

Rotala sp. h'ra

A stunning stem plant that develops intense orange-red coloration under high light and CO2. Narrow leaves arranged in whorls create a striking background accent in aquascapes.

Marsilea hirsuta

Care profile for Marsilea hirsuta: low-medium light, low CO₂, beginner difficulty.

Dwarf Lettuce

A floating rosette plant resembling small lettuce heads. Provides shade, absorbs excess nutrients, and offers cover for fry. Roots provide habitat for microorganisms.

Compatible Invertebrates

Vampire Shrimp

A large, impressive freshwater shrimp with fan-like appendages used to filter feed from the current. Can grow up to 15 cm and requires strong water flow and clean, well-oxygenated water.

Snowball Shrimp

A selectively bred freshwater shrimp with opaque white coloration resembling snowballs. Requires soft, acidic water and pristine conditions for breeding.

Red Cherry Shrimp

A tiny, vivid red dwarf shrimp that breeds easily and endlessly entertains. Fine in nano tanks from 20 L; keep GH 4-15 dGH for successful molting, avoid copper-based medications entirely, and use a sponge filter so young shrimplets never get sucked in.

Nerite Snail

The best algae-eating snail for aquariums. Cannot reproduce in freshwater, so populations stay stable. Comes in zebra, tiger, and olive patterns. Will lay white eggs on glass.