Panda Molly | Single

The Panda Molly is a striking and unique color variation of the Molly fish, named for its black-and-white pattern resembling a panda. Like other Mollies, Panda Mollies are peaceful, hardy, and well-suited to community aquariums. Their contrasting colors and active swimming behavior make them a popular choice for aquarists of all levels.
Key Characteristics:
Appearance: Panda Mollies have a white or light silver base color with prominent black markings, typically on their head, fins, and sometimes their body. These patches vary in size and shape, creating the iconic "panda" look.
Size: They grow to about 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm).
Lifespan: With proper care, they can live for 3–5 years.
Body Shape: Sleek and streamlined, with a forked tail and a triangular dorsal fin.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: They thrive in a range of 75–80°F (24–27°C).
pH: Prefer slightly alkaline water, around 7.5–8.5.
Hardness: 10–25 dGH (moderate to hard).
Ammonia/Nitrites: Levels should be kept at 0 ppm. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring healthy water quality.
Tank Setup:
Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a small group of Panda Mollies.
Filtration: Use a good filtration system, as Mollies produce moderate waste. Clean water is vital for their health.
Substrate: Smooth gravel or sand works best for these fish.
Decor: Include plenty of plants, driftwood, and hiding spots, while also leaving open swimming areas. Floating plants can provide shade and a sense of security.
Diet:
Omnivores: Panda Mollies require a varied diet that includes both plant-based and protein-rich foods.
Use flake or pellet food designed for livebearers as a staple.
Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia for protein.
Vegetables such as blanched spinach, zucchini, or peas should be offered regularly.
Feeding Frequency: Feed them small amounts 2–3 times a day, ensuring no leftover food to prevent water pollution.
Behavior and Tankmates:
Temperament: Panda Mollies are peaceful and social fish. They enjoy being in groups and are active swimmers.
Tankmates: They are compatible with other peaceful fish, including neon tetras, guppies, rasboras, corydoras, and other Molly varieties. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.
Community Tank: Panda Mollies thrive in community tanks and should be kept in groups of at least 3–5 individuals.
Breeding:
Like all Mollies, Panda Mollies are livebearers. They give birth to live fry rather than laying eggs.
Breeding process: Males will court females, often chasing them. Females can store sperm and give birth multiple times after a single mating.
Gestation: Females carry fry for about 4–6 weeks, after which they give birth to 20–100 fry.
Fry care: Provide dense plants or a separate breeding tank to protect the fry from being eaten. Feed them infusoria or finely crushed flakes until they grow larger.
Care Tips:
Perform regular water changes (20–30%) to maintain water quality.
Keep the tank clean and monitor water parameters closely.
Ensure sufficient swimming space and avoid overcrowding to prevent stress.
Watch for signs of illness or stress, such as faded colors or unusual swimming behavior.
Why Choose Panda Molly:
Unique appearance: Their black-and-white coloration makes them stand out in any aquarium.
Easy to care for: They are hardy and beginner-friendly, making them ideal for new aquarists.
Community-friendly: Their peaceful nature allows them to coexist with a variety of tankmates.
Active and entertaining: They are lively swimmers and add energy to the tank.
Conclusion:
The Panda Molly is an excellent choice for aquarists looking for a visually stunning, easy-to-care-for fish. Their peaceful temperament, striking black-and-white pattern, and compatibility with other fish make them a great addition to community aquariums. With proper care, Panda Mollies will thrive and bring life and charm to your tank.