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Lifespan
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Black mollies can live anywhere from three to five years, mostly depending upon how well or poorly they are cared for. During that time they can grow somewhere between 2 and 4 inches long. Those kept in tanks with ideal water conditions live longer than those with water conditions that fluctuate. Black mollies that are poorly cared for will more than likely live for less than three years.
Caring for mollies
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Although mollies are freshwater fish, they prefer to live in water with a tiny bit of aquarium salt in it. The ideal water temperature should be between 70 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit and they exist best in tanks that hold at least 20 gallons of water. Mollies should be fed a diet of flake food occasionally mixed with live and freeze-dried foods.
Compatability and demeanor
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Mollies are generally peaceful in nature. They do best in groups that consist of only a few males and several females. Although some aquarium experts believe that they should only be kept with other mollies, others believe there are several species of fish they are compatible with. Among those are swordtails, platies, angel fish, corydoras catfish and tetras.
Breeding
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Mollies are live breeders, meaning that rather than lay eggs, the fry gestate inside the mother and are born live into the water. If you are planning to breed mollies you should purchase either a breeding box or a breeding net, which is a device that helps draw the fry away from the mother so she will not eat them. You should also provide some places for the fry to hide as they grow. Breeding grass, which floats at the top of the tank, provides good cover as the young fish instinctively swim to the top of the tank.
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What Is the Lifespan of a Black Molly?
Mollies, also called molly fish, are a type of tropical fish common to many home aquariums. They are relatively easy to care for, so they are good for those who are just getting started in keeping an aquarium. They come in many different varieties, one of which is the black molly.