Assorted Balloon Molly 3.5cm

Assorted Balloon Molly

Mollies are undoubtedly one of the most classic and beloved beginner-friendly fish in the aquarium hobby. Right after goldfish, they're often the first tropical species new aquarists explore and for good reason. Mollies are hardy, active, peaceful, and come in a wide array of colour morphs that can be both fun and vibrant. Of all the options available, the Assorted Balloon Molly offers a delightful mix of colours in one convenient package, giving your aquarium that rainbow-pop look without the need to choose just one type.

The balloon body shape is a result of a genetic mutation that compresses the body into a shorter, rounder form, giving the fish an adorable and unique appearance. These fish also come in a wide range of colours. You can expect them to range from solid golds and silvers to marbled blacks, dalmatian speckles, and sunset oranges. Their playful nature and constantly foraging behaviour make them entertaining additions to any setup. Though balloon mollies have received some criticism due to concerns around their compressed shape, with the right care and diet, they thrive and live full, healthy lives.

Because of their rounded bellies, they are more prone to bloating or digestive issues if overfed or fed inappropriate foods, so meals should be kept small, frequent, and easily digestible. Balloon mollies usually reach around 6 cm and are surprisingly useful in aquariums as they actively graze on hair algae and leftover food. Their natural range spans from South America to Mexico, and in captivity, they've adapted to thrive in freshwater, brackish, and even full saltwater conditions, proving just how tough these little guys are.

Tank Recommendations for your Assorted Balloon Molly

Being a relatively easy-to-care-for fish, the balloon molly can be kept in a fairly small aquarium with a minimum being 50 Litres. A sand or gravel substrate would be fine for these fish as well; however, because mollies like alkaline or high pH environments, a crushed coral or aragonite sand would be optimal. They will also enjoy plants in the aquarium, with great options being ferns, Anubias, pogostemon, and vallesneria, as these are large and denser growing plants and allow for great natural breeding grounds and a place for fry to grow.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The balloon molly is a very peaceful aquarium fish that can get along with a wide range of tank mates, both in fresh and saltwater conditions. They are great with a wide range of community aquarium fish; however slower slower-moving fish should be avoided as mollies may outcompete them.

Usually Compatible

Rainbow fish, mudskippers, platies, danios, loaches, and a lot of other common aquarium fish.

Sometimes Compatible

Smaller-sized fish such as neon or cardinal tetras, and bottom-dwelling fish such as Corydoras.

Rarely Compatible

Large and aggressive species that would prey on the mollies, such as oscars and very slow-moving fish like discus or borneo suckers.

Feeding your Assorted Balloon Molly

The balloon molly is a very easy fish to feed. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Just like any fish, though, they should be fed a varied diet with a mix of different foods. The ideal diet would be a good quality micro slow sinking pellet or crushed flake, supplemented with frozen bloodworms or micro worms.