20 Fish to Keep With Mollies

Mollies are one of the most beautiful species of fish to keep in an aquarium. They come in ravishing colors and shapes, but there are only certain fish we can keep in a tank with them. Each species have their own unique personalities and qualities. There are so many you can choose from. Although they are beautiful, they are only able to cohabitate with certain types of fish.

Mollies can be peaceful tank mates with many species of fish. Here are 20 fish to keep with mollies:

• Guppies
• Playts Danios
• Tetras
• Dwarf Gourami
• Swordtails
• Angelfish
• Cichlids (certain species)
• Endlers
• Minnows
• Snails
• Shrimp (certain species)
• Cherry barbs
• Corydoras Catfish
• Harlequin Rasbora
• Planties
• Rosy Barbs
• Yo-yo Loaches
• Zebra Loaches
• Black Skirt Tetra
• Other Tropical (peaceful) Community Fish 

Being that Mollies hold distinctive characteristics, you need to be careful to put only fish in a tank with them that are compatible. If you’re looking to add fish in a tank with your Mollies, you’re going to want to continue reading to learn more about all of your options.

Mollies Are Good for Community Tanks

Mollies’ habitats can vary in the wild, and so they have the ability to adapt to different water conditions. That includes a tolerance to brackish waters and high hydrogen sulfide levels. They are typically found in North and South America near rocks, sand, and debris.

In general, Mollies tend to be hardy fish that are adaptable and, therefore, can share a tank with many different kinds of fish.

For Mollies and all of its tank mates, it is best to maintain temperatures between 72-78 degrees. pH levels between 6.7 and 8.5, and hardness between 20-30 KH.

The size of the aquarium is important for Mollies. Smaller types of Mollies need at least a 10 gallon aquarium, and some of the larger types will require at least a 30 gallon tank. With every Molly you add to the tank, you will need an additional three gallons for your fish to be comfortable.

In a community tank, it is important that your Mollies have some place to hide if their being harassed by other fish. Try adding tank plants that are somewhat taller or place decorations that offer hiding places. For instance, Anubias nana and create cave-like structures out of rocks. This is important so that they can get away from other fish that may harass them.

Misconceptions of Aggressiveness towards Other Tank Mates

There is a common misconception that mollies tend to hold aggressive behaviors towards their tank mates. They are not harmful to other fish, they are typically suitable for many if not almost all tropical community tank fish.

There are different species of Mollies, all of which hold distinct personalities. That gives you a wide variety to choose from. Mollies are generally peaceful fish and can withstand being in a tank with other peaceful fish.

Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Like people, personality will vary from fish to fish. If you notice aggressive behavior while observing Mollies with new tank mates, they should immediately be separated, and you should reevaluate your tank situation.

Given all personality traits into consideration, habitats, tanks, and water care are all important factors to bring forth when beginning an aquarium with Mollies.

Fish You Can Keep with Mollies

Mollies come in different varieties, shapes, and sizes. Nonetheless, most of their personalities are the same. They are able to adapt well to aquarium environments and are typically very peaceful in a community tank with fish of similar temperaments.

• Guppies are similar to mollies in the sense that they are small and quick. They are known for their vivid and dazzling coloration. Guppies and Mollies will eat the same types of food. Vegetable based foods are the go-to for both. Warmer water conditions and pH are very important for both. Guppies are known to be moderately peaceful.
• Platys are playful, colorful, fast, and small fish that come in different colors. Their fan-shaped tails can be black, blue, brown, red, gold, or green. Platys can tolerate temperatures between 68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit and pH levels between 7.0 and 8.3 dGH making them a perfect fit for Mollies. Platys are predominantly peaceful fish. 
• Danios typically known as Zebrafish are known for their ability to quickly reproduce. They have a beautiful horizontal striped pattern, with colors that match perfectly with their forked tails. They’re tiny fish, but fun to have in a tank because of their sleek and fast personalities. pH levels should be between 7.0-7.8, and water temperatures should be between 70-78 degrees Fahrenheit. Danios are generally peaceful but may nip fins.
• Tetras are a beautiful addition to a tank due to their neon-like colors. It is best not to mix Danios and Shrimp with Tetras. They are known to nip fish with long fins and snack on brine shrimp or bloodworms. The pH level and water conditions requirements for Tetras and Mollies are very similar. pH levels should be between 6.8 and 7.8, and water temperatures should stay between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Tetras are a beautiful addition to the tank with Mollies given their similar personalities.  
• Dwarf Gourami are the easiest to find in pet stores. With their beautiful vibrant colors, they’re hard not to love. Larger Gourami, although more attractive, have aggressive behaviors. It is best to get Dwarf Gourami to be a tank mate to Mollies. The optimum pH is in the neutral range, and temperatures set to 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit Dwarf Gourami are peaceful.
• Swordtails are a great companion to Mollies given that they are very peaceful and active community fish. The most common colors are olive green, red, or orange. Swordtails are adaptive to water conditions and temperatures. An ideal pH level would be neutral, and 7.0-8.4 would be idea. They can withstand temperatures anywhere between 64-82 Degrees Fahrenheit, making them the perfect fit for Mollies.
• Angel Fish are known for their distinctive body shape, fascinating movements, and beautiful colors. They are generally peacefully but known to be aggressive while eating. The only issue one may face is that the smaller fish nipping their fins. It is critical that one research suitability between Angel-Fish and other fish in the aquarium to make sure they are compatible. Angel Fish can bare temperatures between 78 and 84 Degrees Fahrenheit and pH levels between 6.8 and 7.8, making them an ideal tank mate for Mollies.
• Cichlids (some species) are known to be aggressive and territorial based on the species. With over 1,200 species, it is an extensive category to address. All things considered, most Cichlid species are friendly and compatible enough with Mollies. To mention a few, Dwarf Cichlids, Rams, Discus, Keyhole Cichlids, and Severums. They come in a variety of colors of the rainbow, from blue-green, solid silver, all the way to red-mouthed. Cichlids are typically known to withstand water temperatures between 74-80 Degrees Fahrenheit, and pH levels should be set between 8.0 and 9.0. Although compatible with Mollies, be sure to do extensive research on what species would be an ideal fit for them.
• Endlers, although not as recognizable as many of the others on the list, they are very peaceful. They are a crossbreed of guppies with ravishing colors like black, red, and blue-green scales. They should not be kept in the same tank as fish that may see them as prey. Ideally, water temperatures should be set between 78-81 Degrees Fahrenheit and pH levels anywhere between 5.5 and 8.0.
• Minnows are generally very serene fish that can be found all across the world. There are different species of them, but they are not as extravagant other fish. Minnows are very small fish, they only grow to about an inch. The White Cloud Mountain minnow is the one that is most known for its color, others are brown or black, most grey or silver features. Ideal water temperatures should be set between 64 and 72 Degrees Fahrenheit and pH levels between 6.5 and 7.5. Similar to Mollies, Minnows tank should be decorated with live plants and rocks to provide hiding places.
• Snails, in general, are a great addition to tanks. They keep the tank clean, feed on the waste of the tank, and they will not bother the other fish. A few to choose from for freshwater tanks are mystery snails, Inca snails, apple snails, and rabbit snails. Snails pH levels should be set between 7.6 and 8.4 and water temperatures 68 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Shrimp will not bother any fish at all. They are also a great addition to most tanks or aquariums. If you are thinking of adding Shrimp to the tank, make sure you read on the alkalinity and temperature of the tank to the compatibility of the shrimp. Be sure not to put them in the tank with fish that will prey on them. Shrimp can typically withstand water temperatures between 57 and 86 Degrees Fahrenheit and a pH of 6.5 and 8.0.
• Cherry Barbs are one of the most known in their family. With beautiful bright and unique colors, they are very well known by many aquarists. They are typically red with a dark band from head to tail, and the males are typically brighter. Without a doubt, Cherry Barbs are peacefully, and very easy to care for. Ideal water temperatures should  be set between 73 to 81 Degrees Fahrenheit and a pH of 6.0 to 8.0.
• Corydoras Catfish are bottom-dwelling, small, peaceful fish that come in many different colors. Although peaceful, they love feeding on shrimp, so be extra cautious when pairing them with others. There is a variety of colors to choose from as they also hold very diverse appearances and scales. The water temperature should be set between 74 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH of 5.5 to 7.0.
• Harlequin Rasbora is has a mesmerizing metallic color and is typically speaking very easy to care for. Much larger fish may be attracted to its vibrant shimmering colors and may cause a threat to it. Water temperatures are not critical for a Harlequin, however, the ideal range would be 74 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH level between 6.0-6.5.
• Platies are typically the go-to for people who are new at starting and aquarium. They are easy to care for and ideal. They give a beautiful vibrant color to the tank. Platies ideal water temperatures range between 70 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and pH levels range from 6.8 and 8.0.
• Rosy Barbs although active, are peaceful and would make for a perfect match with Mollies. Typical water conditions for Rosy Barbs should resemble their natural habitat. Water temperatures should be between 64-72 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH levels 6 to 8.
• Yo-yo Loaches bring much energy to your tank. They have beautiful silver bodies with dark bands and a light blue tint, creating a unique look. They are peaceful but are known to be aggressive towards members of their own species. Yoyo Loaches are pretty hardy and adapt to water conditions quickly. The ideal pH level should be 6 to 7.4 and water temperatures between 75 to 80 Degrees Fahrenheit.
•  Zebra Loaches, also known as the Candy Stripe Loach, are practical for beginner aquariums. They are peaceful, and generally, have a longer lifespan than most aquarium fish. Zebra Loaches prefer water temperatures between 70 to 79 Degrees Fahrenheit and a typical pH with 6.0 to 7.5.
• Black Skirt Tetras, also known as the Black Widow Tetra, are an active fast-moving species. It comes in a variety of colors. They do nip, so one must be careful when putting them in a tank with fish who have long, flowing fins. Black Skirt Tetras can endure water temperatures between 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and pH levels can range from 6.8-7.0.
• Other Tropical Community Fish can be described as other non-threatening fish that are peaceful and do not nip other fish. These could include fish like; Ancistrus Genus, Glowlight Tetra, Sparkling Gourami and many others. Most Tropical Community Fish can withstand temperatures between 75-80 Degrees Fahrenheit and a pH of 6.8 to 7.6.

Although fish may seem harmless, it is important to know the different personality traits and characteristics of each breed in order to know which fish pair well together and which would not be compatible.

When creating a community take with Mollies, it is best to avoid the fish that are overly aggressive as they may harass and stress out your Mollies to the point of death. Also, you do not want fish that are too large as they may try and eat the smaller Mollies.

Fish to Avoid Keeping with Mollies

There are a number of fish that you should never put in a tank with Mollies for the sake of either the Mollies or the fish in question.

• Goldfish should NEVER be in the same tank as Mollies. Mollies can be quite aggressive and unpredictable even while they are mostly peaceful. They will often nip at slower goldfish. The temperatures needed by Mollies and Goldfish are also drastically different as Mollies prefer warmer waters and golddish prefer cooler waters.
• Betta Fish, while a very attractive fish, hold very aggressive and territorial behaviors. In order to defend its territory, a  Betta will attack unsuspecting fish that aren’t even looking for a fight. Mollies also have a tendency to nip the fins of Betta Fish, so this situation isn’t’ good for either fish. Although both have similar temperature and pH requirements, their temperaments are not a good match.
• Discus fish thrive best in warm water temperatures, like Mollies, but they are very delicate fish that and need to be kept in a species tank. Unlike Mollies, Discus need soft water to thrive.

While Mollies are a great addition to an aquarium, mixing these fish with mollies could become very unpredictable.

It should also be noted that Mollies should typically be put into a tank in groups of four. The majority of the group should be female. For example,  for every three to five female Mollies there should only be one male. This is because male Mollies become aggressive when it comes to mating.

Reasons to Keep Mollies and Tropical Community Fish

If you aren’t sure if you should put Mollies in your community tank, then it is time to get sure. No really, there are very few reasons not to have a few Mollies in your tank. Here is why they are a great addition to any tank:

• Mollies are community-friendly, beginner-friendly, and they are one of the most widely kept freshwater fish in an aquarium.
• They are hardy and can survive in different water conditions.
• Molly fish breed very rapidly. If you have both male and female Mollies, get ready to have some parties and gender reveals coming your way!
• Most Mollies are livebearers! They do not lay eggs. They give birth to live fry.
• They like a planted aquarium. Get ready to put your design skills to the test!

I cannot think of many reasons that you may not want a Molly to brighten up your aquarium. Not only are their colors vibrant and aesthetically appealing, but they are also overall easy to care for if you have the right tank, and they are peaceful and breed well.

If you’ve ever given aquarium life a thought, keeping Mollies and tropical Community fish would be a great way to start.