In this post, we will answer the question “Can betta fish and mollies live together?”. We will also discuss some molly specificities and some tips on how to keep these two species together in a successful combination.
Can betta fish and mollies live together?
Selecting tank companions for your betta is not always an easy process to complete. If the tank mates’ colours are too vibrant or their fins are excessively long and flowing, they will almost certainly find themselves being assaulted. Other types of fish will stress out your betta, which is the reverse of what you want. As a result, you must search for the narrow line that separates these two circumstances. Mollies are an example of a fish species that fall under this group.
What you need to know about mollies is detailed here
What is the maximum size of mollies?
If you propose having mollies in your tank, you must remember that they will reach up to one inch bigger than your betta fish. Thanks to this, you should ponder what tank you intend on using. You will hear people advocate a minimum of 10 gallons of water to accommodate mollies, however, we propose a minimum of 20 gallons of water to accommodate them.
Not only a 20-gallon tank will provide plenty of space for your mollies bioload and waste without making it toxic to your fish, but it will also give them enough room to swim around.
It is also crucial to remember that mollies are a sociable species of fish. They have to be with other mollies or they could become stressed. Thus, a 20-gallon tank is the most suitable choice to house your betta and mollies with plenty of room.
Different types of mollies
There is a full range of mollies you will boost your tank with, but that does not mean you should choose all of them. Some great molly varieties you can choose from to feature in your betta fish tank are:
• Common Mollies
• Midnight Mollies
• White Mollies
• Golden Mollies
• Lyretail Mollies
• Dalmatian Mollies
• Sailfin Mollies
All these mollies would make good additions to your tank and can get along very well with your betta fish in the tank.
Mollies’ lifespan
It’s important to remember that mollies may survive for up to five years under the right conditions, so plan accordingly. In contrast, the typical lifespan of a fish in a tank is only two years. However, this does not imply that you will need to purchase additional mollies to replace them. Mollies are livebearing fish, which means that they do not deposit eggs and instead give birth to young directly. As a result, mollies might potentially be present in your tank at all times.
What is the personality of the mollies?
When discussing the temperament of fish, it’s crucial to remember that every fish is unique in his or her personality. While the great majority of them will act similarly, that does not mean all of them will. But mollies are, in general, very peaceful fish.This is especially true in situations when one male molly is being housed with two female mollies at the same time.
If, on the other hand, you have mollies that are exclusively male, you will almost certainly detect hostility among them. This might be due to the fact that they will only be concerned with determining who the alpha guy is within the group. But, rarely, mollies will ever begin attacking betta fish because it is not in their natural behaviour. The unique thing you would have to worry about is the small chance of the mollies beginning to fin nip your betta fish.
Betta fish and mollies tank conditions
Temperature and pH
Betta fish require a pH level of around 7.0 to thrive, while the mollies pH level can vary between 7.0-7.8. Betta fish pH needs are at the extremely low end of the spectrum, yet they are nonetheless there and significant. Thus, different pH levels are not going to be a difficult.
The next most significant water parameter is temperature.Betta fish and mollies’ immune systems might be compromised if the temperature in their tank is not maintained at the proper level.
Bettas thrive best at a temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit, according to widespread consensus. However, anything between 76 and 80 °F would be suitable. And mollies are plenty more flexible when it involves the temperature. Water between 68 and 82 °F are fine for mollies. As you can see from the graph, the optimal temperature for a betta fish is somewhere in the middle of this range.
What about their diets?
Betta fish and mollies have similar diets, which is another good reason to house them as tank mates. In contrast to the betta fish, who are opportunistic feeders, mollies demand a more varied diet. As much as you concentrate in providing your betta with the specific meat it requires, it will get adequate fiber from whatever you offer your mollies.
Only one gender should be in your tank
It is generally recommended that you only have one gender represented in your tank. However, unlike other fish species, it is only recommended to add females. While it may not appear to be a good plan at the time, it will turn out to be a good one in the long run.
Male mollies can get quite aggressive towards each other when trying to determine a hierarchy. While they would not be aggressive towards your betta, the betta fish could get stressed from all the situations. If you just have males, they are all going to fight for the alpha spot, because there is nothing else for them to try and do.
While female mollies can give birth at the beginning, with time you are going to be sure they are not going to reproduce anymore.
Now, you recognize that your aquarium is safe from baby fish.
Can female betta fish live with mollies?
Addition of female betta fish with mollies is generally even simpler than adding male betta fish to a tank with mollies. While females are aggressive, they are not even nearly as aggressive as males. However, if you have got a betta sorority, you must confirm that you simply have a bigger tank.
Females tend to become more aggressive when they are in a group because they are trying to establish a hierarchy. So a bigger tank reduces the chances of harmful situations for your mollies.
Always remember in a betta-molly fish combination that mollies can be fin nippers and could fight and hurt your betta fish. Also, your betta fish can become quite aggressive towards the mollies and also hurt them.
Should I worry about my Betta fish?
If you are worried about aggression in your tank it is more likely that your betta goes to be the aggressor. If your betta has an aggressive personality, it might not tolerate other fish in its tank. Once you add mollies to your tank you must observe them closely for a few days. As soon as you detect any evidence of trauma on them, they should not be allowed to remain in your aquarium.
Conclusion
In this post, we answered the question “Can betta fish and mollies live together?”. We also discussed some molly specificities and some tips on how to keep these two species together in a successful combination.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know in the comments section below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Can betta fish and mollies live together?
Can betta fish live alone?
Yes, in general, the recommendation is for keeping betta fish alone. These fish like to establish their territory. When another fish intrudes on their personal space, they can become agitated and hostile, and they can even attack.
Can betta fish live with other fish?
This depends on your betta fish temperament and the other fish you are considering. Betta fish enjoy living alone, and if you add additional fish in the same aquarium, it might get rather aggressive.
Can mollies leave alone?
Mollies can do just fine if they are the unique species in the tank. However, it is recommended to keep at least a small group of mollies in a tank, otherwise, they can get depressed.
Can mollies live with other fish?
Yes, mollies can live with several other fish species. You may keep other amicable aquatic species in the same aquarium as a Molly with no worries in the world since Mollies are extremely social fish who enjoy being around other fish.
What kinds of fish can be betta fish tank mates?
Although betta fish have a limiting aggressive behaviour, several fish can be good tank mates to them, such as Guppies, Kuhli loaches, neon and ember tetras, and cory catfish.
Is it true that mollies have fin nippers?
Mollies are known to nibble at the tips of their fins. Thus, it is fundamental to keep an eye on their relationship with other fish species such as betta fish and goldfish.
References
Can Betta And Mollies Live Together? – https://aquamovement.com/betta-and-mollies/
Can Bettas And Mollies Live Together? https://www.bettacarefishguide.com/can-bettas-and-mollies-live-together/
Aquarium Guide: Can Betta Live With Mollies? https://www.lifeforfish.com/can-betta-live-with-mollies/
