Description

Liberty Mollies (Poecilia salvatoris) are a colorful and hardy livebearer fish native to Central America, specifically found in rivers, streams, and coastal estuaries in El Salvador and Honduras. Known for their bright red, blue, and white coloration that resembles the colors of the American flag, they are sometimes called “Salvador Mollies.” Liberty Mollies are active, peaceful, and relatively easy to care for, making them an attractive choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists.
Appearance
Liberty Mollies are medium-sized livebearers with sleek, streamlined bodies and vibrant colors that are particularly striking. They have a red-orange base body color, with vivid blue accents along their sides, and their fins often feature white tips. Males are usually more colorful and slightly smaller than females, displaying more intense hues, while females are typically larger and rounder. Adult Liberty Mollies reach around 3 to 4 inches, making them larger than typical molly species and adding a bold splash of color to community tanks.
Habitat and Tank Requirements
Liberty Mollies are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of water conditions, from fresh to brackish, as they naturally inhabit coastal areas. A tank of at least 30 gallons is recommended for a small group, as these mollies are active swimmers that appreciate room to explore.
Tank Setup
Substrate: A sandy or fine-gravel substrate mimics their natural habitat and provides a soft bed for their environment.
Décor: Liberty Mollies enjoy a combination of open swimming space and areas with plants, rocks, or driftwood for shelter. Plants also help maintain good water quality, though live plants should be selected carefully if the tank has slightly brackish water.
Water Flow: A moderate water flow is ideal, as these fish are accustomed to moving waters in the wild.
Temperature: They prefer warmer water, with an ideal temperature range between 75°F and 82°F.
pH: Liberty Mollies prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH between 7.0 and 8.5.
Diet and Feeding
Liberty Mollies are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet that includes both plant-based and protein-rich foods. In an aquarium, they readily accept high-quality flake food, but their diet should be supplemented with algae wafers, spirulina, and blanched vegetables such as zucchini or spinach. They also enjoy occasional live or frozen foods, like brine shrimp or daphnia, which add valuable protein to their diet and keep them vibrant and healthy.
Temperament and Compatibility
Liberty Mollies are peaceful, sociable fish and do well in a community tank with other non-aggressive species. They are schooling fish that feel most comfortable in groups, so keeping at least 4 to 6 together is ideal. They can be housed with other livebearers like guppies and swordtails, as well as compatible species like tetras, Corydoras, and small to medium-sized rasboras. Avoid aggressive or overly territorial fish, as Liberty Mollies are gentle and may become stressed by hostile tank mates.
Lifespan and Care
With proper care, Liberty Mollies can live for about 3 to 5 years. They are generally hardy but sensitive to poor water quality, so regular water changes and monitoring of water parameters are important. Liberty Mollies may thrive in slightly brackish conditions, as a small amount of aquarium salt (around 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons) can help prevent disease and reduce stress.
Breeding
As livebearers, Liberty Mollies are prolific breeders, giving birth to fully formed fry rather than laying eggs. Males have a gonopodium, a modified fin used for fertilization. Female Liberty Mollies can give birth to 20-50 fry every 4 to 6 weeks if kept in good conditions. Providing dense plants or a separate breeding tank can increase fry survival rates, as adults may eat the young.
Special Considerations
Water Quality: Liberty Mollies are particularly susceptible to ammonia and nitrate spikes, so frequent water changes and efficient filtration are necessary.
Brackish Option: Although they can live in freshwater, Liberty Mollies may show improved color and health in lightly brackish water.
Group Size: They are social fish, and keeping them in groups reduces stress and brings out their best behavior and coloration.
Final Thoughts
Liberty Mollies are a fantastic choice for aquarists looking for a hardy, colorful, and active fish that brings a splash of vibrant red, blue, and white to the tank. With their peaceful nature, ease of care, and readiness to breed, Liberty Mollies are well-suited for community tanks and make an excellent option for those new to fishkeeping as well as seasoned hobbyists.