If you have had any encounter with mollies at an aquarium or a pond, you have noted many fish are being called mollies. You can not figure out what a real Molly fish is.
But do not get confused!
Molly is a group of fish belonging to the genus Poecilia. They are the most peaceful and colorful fish found in North and South America. They adapt to various waters quickly, but the preferable water condition is fresh or brackish water.
There are almost fifty types of Molly fish based on their species, patterns, colors, and tail variants. Each Poecilia sphenops fish has a different lifespan, tank requirements, and care level.
19 Molly Fish Types
Here is the list of the nineteen common Molly fish types based on their features, with a table and short description.
Let us proceed ahead!
1. Silver Sailfin Molly
Silver Sailfin Molly has a silver and white body. They have distinctive dorsal fins and blunt tails.
Having whitish hues, they shine under aquarium light. Their sailfin tail adds to their grace.
| Fish | Features |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia latipinna |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Color | Silver with a mix of yellow and blue |
| Maximum Size | 3 to 5 Inches |
| Maximum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Water Properties | 68 to 82°F, pH; 7.5 to 8.0 |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years |
| Tail Variant | Sailfin |
2. Gold Dust Molly
As the name suggests, Gold Dust Mollies have gold or yellow bodies. They often have black spots, which look like dust. That is why the name was given to gold dust molly.
They are known for their striking appearance and are prevalent in freshwater aquariums. They do not have a particular tail variant; different species have different tails.
| Fish | Features |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia sphenops |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Color | Yellow/Gold and Black fins |
| Maximum Size | 3 to 4 inches |
| Maximum Tank Size | 20 gallons |
| Water Quality | Properties; 74 to 82°F, pH; 6.0 to 8.0 |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years |
| Tail Variant | None |
3. Balloon Belly Molly Fish
Balloon Belly Mollies have rounded balloon-like bellies. It gives them a chubby look. Their fins are smaller than those of other mollies.
They come in various colors such as golden, black, and golden mixture, fins colored, etc. The chubby shape makes them a favorite among aquarists due to their unique shape. Their tail variant is ballon.
| Fish | Features |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia sphenops |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Color | Various colors |
| Maximum Size | 3 Inches |
| Maximum Tank Size | 20 to 30 gallons |
| Water Properties | Properties; 68 to 82°F, pH;7.0 to 7.8 |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years |
| Tail Variant | Balloon |
4. Harlequin Sailfin Molly
Harlequin Sailfin Mollies are known for their striking color patterns. These patterns often include a mix of black, orange, and white patches.
Their big, sail-like dorsal fin adds to their appeal, making them a visually captivating addition to aquariums.
Males are colorful, whereas females are larger. Their tail is categorized as sailfin.
| Fish | Features |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia latipinna |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Color | Various |
| Maximum Size | Up to 4 inches |
| Maximum Tank Size | 20 gallons |
| Water Properties | pH 7.0-8.0, temperature 75-82°F (24-28°C) |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years |
| Tail Variant | Sailfin |
5. Platinum Lyretail Molly
Platinum Lyretail Mollies have a silvery-white body coloration that is elongated. Their tails are lyre-shaped and are found in platinum colors like white with silvery shine, making them the most sophisticated Molly fish among aquarists.
| Fish | Features |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia sphenops |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Color | Platinum |
| Maximum Size | 5 Inches |
| Maximum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Water Properties | temp; 75 to 82°F, pH;7.5 to 8.5 |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years |
| Tail variant | Lyretail |
6. Golden Sailfin Molly
Golden Sailfin Mollies have vibrant golden-yellow bodies. They have distinct sail-like dorsal fins.
Males and females have elongated body shape. They are like Silver Sailfin Mollies but are golden, not silver, adding warmth to aquariums.
| Fish | Features |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia latipinna |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Color | Golden-yellow |
| Maximum Size | 6 Inches |
| Maximum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Water Properties | Temp: 68 to 82°F, pH;7.0 to 8.0 |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years |
| Tail Variant | Sailfin |
7. Red Sunset Molly Fish
Red Sunset Mollies exhibit a vibrant reddish-orange body coloration resonant with a sunset.
The eyes are darker, and the body is elongated and flat. Aquarists admire them for their intense reddish-golden colors.
| Fish | Features |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia sphenops |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Color | Red |
| Maximum Size | 2 to 3 Inches |
| Maximum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Water Properties | Temp: 65 to 80° F, pH; 7.5 to 8.2 |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years |
| Tail Variant | None |
8. Wild Molly Fish
Wild Molly Fish is another type of molly with gray and silver coloration. They have been bred to keep their natural, wild-type appearance. They resemble their ancestors found in their native habitats. They come in many colors and patterns, showing the diversity of the Molly species.
Their tails vary depending on their species.
| Fish | Features |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia spp. (various species) |
| Care Level | Moderate to Advanced |
| Color | Various |
| Maximum Size | 2-4 inches (depending on species) |
| Maximum Tank Size | 20 gallons or larger (depending on species) |
| Water Properties | pH 6.5-8.0, temperature 72-78°F (22-26°C) |
| Lifespan | 2-5 years (depending on species) |
| Tail Variant | Varies (depending on species) |
9.Yucatan Molly (Poecilia Velifera)
The Yucatan Molly is also known as Poecilia Velifera. It is native to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
They have long bodies that reach 6 inches. These fish are found in various bright colors, such as a mix of black, yellow, and green, making them prized in the aquarium trade.
| Fish | Features |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia velifera |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Color | Various bright colors |
| Maximum Size | 5 to 8 Inches |
| Maximum Tank Size | 40 gallons |
| Water Quality | temperature; 77 to 83°F, pH;7.0 to 8.0 |
| Lifespan | 2-3 years |
| Tail Variant | None |
10. Pacific Molly
Pacific Mollies are found in the Pacific region. They have many colors, like silver, gold, and black, and show vibrant blue and green hues.
Pacific molly has markings on the whole body. Their tail variants are unspecific, and fins are larger with bright colors. They are adaptable fish that thrive in a range of aquatic environments.
| Fish | Features |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia latipinna |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Color | Various |
| Maximum Size | Up to 4 inches |
| Maximum Tank Size | 20 gallons or larger |
| Water Properties | pH 7.0-8.0, temperature 75-82°F (24-28°C) |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years |
| Tail Variant | None |
11 .Péten Molly (Poecilia Kykesis)
The Péten Molly, scientifically known as Poecilia kykesis, is native to the Péten region in Guatemala. They are often found in freshwater and brackish water.
They have colorful looks and can be found in different colors, such as yellow, orange, or even a hint of blue. They have larger fins, and like many mollies fish, their tail variant is none.
| Fish | Features |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia kykesis |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Color | Various |
| Maximum Size | Up to 3 inches |
| Maximum Tank Size | 20 gallons or larger |
| Water Properties | pH 7.0-8.0, temperature 75-82°F (24-28°C) |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years |
| Tail Variant | None |
12. Southern Molly (Poecilia Vivipara)
The Southern Molly is also called Poecilia Vivipara. It is found in the south of North and South America. They come in many colors ranging from brighter to darker shades. The body is smaller, and the fins are smaller, too. And the tail variant is none.
They are known for viviparous reproduction, giving birth to live young.
| Fish | Features |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia vivipara |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Color | Various |
| Maximum Size | Up to 2 inches |
| Maximum Tank Size | 10 gallons or larger |
| Water Properties | pH 7.0-8.0, temperature 72-78°F (22-26°C) |
| Lifespan | 2-3 years |
| Tail Variant | None |
13. Catemaco Molly (Poecilia Catemaconis)
Molly is scientifically known as Poecilia Catemaconis. It is native to the Catemaco region in Mexico. They have a slim and elongated body, and fins are lightly colored.
Aquarists love them for their bright colors. They come in a mix of colors, such as black and silver. Aquarists love them for their beauty.
| Fish | Features |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia catemaconis |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Color | Various |
| Maximum Size | Up to 3 inches |
| Maximum Tank Size | 20 gallons or larger |
| Water Properties | pH 7.0-8.0, temperature 75-82°F (24-28°C) |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years |
| Tail Variant | None |
14. Amazon Molly (Poecilia Formosa)
The Amazon Molly is also known as Poecilia formosa. It is native to the Amazon Basin in South America.
They have slim, elongated bodies with various colors, such as brighter darker, and mixtures, such as greens and yellows, with a silver sheen. Their fins are smaller than those of many of the mollies.
They can reproduce through parthenogenesis, making them an exciting species for study.
| Fish | Features |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia formosa |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Color | Various |
| Maximum Size | Up to 3 inches |
| Maximum Tank Size | 20 gallons or larger |
| Water Properties | pH 7.0-8.0, temperature 75-82°F (24-28°C) |
| Lifespan | 1-2 years |
| Tail Variant | None |
15. Cauca Molly (Poecilia Caucana)
The Cauca Molly is native to the Cauca River basin in Colombia. Its scientific name is Poecilia caucana. They are often found in freshwater streams and rivers.
They are colorful with slander bodies and shiny scales. Their colors range from silver to yellow. But, a dark line extends from eyes to tails.
| Fish | Features |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia Caucana |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Color | Various |
| Maximum Size | Up to 3 inches |
| Maximum Tank Size | 20 gallons or larger |
| Water Properties | pH 7.0-8.0, temperature 75-82°F (24-28°C) |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years |
| Tail Variant | None |
16. Island Molly (Poecilia Vandepolli)
The Island Molly is native to Caribbean islands and is found in fresh and brackish water. Its scientific name is Poecilia vandepolli. They have slim bodies with shimmering scales. There are many color variations, with orange and black spots all over the body.
Island molly has small eyes, kite-like tails, and dorsal fins.
| Fish | Features |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia vandepolli |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Color | Various |
| Maximum Size | Up to 2.5 inches |
| Maximum Tank Size | 10 gallons or larger |
| Water Properties | pH 7.0-8.0, temperature 75-82°F (24-28°C) |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years |
| Tail Variant | None |
17. Liberty Molly (Poecilia Salvatoris)
The Liberty Molly, scientifically known as Poecilia Salvatoris, is native to Central America. They are commonly found in freshwater aquariums.
They have vibrant colors like blue and orange patterns. They have slim bodies, pointed tails, and transparent fins, which are the grace of any aquarium.
For their beauty and being active, aquarists prize them.
| Fish | Features |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia salvatoris |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Color | Silver with a mix of yellow and blue or red |
| Maximum Size | 3 to 4 Inches |
| Maximum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Water Properties | Temperature; 75 to 82°F, pH; 7.5 to 8.0 |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years |
| Tail Variant | None |
18. Marble
Marble fish are one of the most mesmerizing types of mollfish. They have many spots of different colors; the entire body color is gold, black, white, etc. Their body is entirely of black and silver splotches. Marble molly tail is a shortfin variety type.
| Fish | Features |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia sphenops |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Color | Variegated (gold, black, white, and other colors) |
| Maximum Size | Up to 3 inches |
| Maximum Tank Size | 20 gallons or larger |
| Water Properties | pH 7.0-8.0, temperature 75-82°F (24-28°C) |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years |
| Tail Variant | Varied (may include sailfin, standard, or lyretail) |
19. 24 Karat Gold Molly
24 Karat Gold Mollies are prized for their intense golden color. They look like precious, shiny gold.
With a sleek shape, they grow up to 4 inches. Their fins vary depending on every variety.
Aquarists love them for their bright colors. They are often sought as focal points in aquariums.
| Fish Features | Value |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia sphenops |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Color | Gold |
| Maximum Size | Up to 3 inches |
| Maximum Tank Size | 20 gallons or larger |
| Water Properties | pH 7.0-8.0, temperature 75-82°F (24-28°C) |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years |
| Tail Variant | None |
Conclusion
Molly fish has enormous varieties and species—each type of Molly fish shows distinct elegance and beauty.
With this article, your confusion is clear, and you have acquired knowledge about 20 different types of Molly fish.
For suggestions and appreciation, please comment below.
I know you liked this article, and I’m sure that you will also enjoy different types of axolotl morphs.