Balloon Molly

The Balloon Molly (Poecilia latipinna) is a fascinating and unusual freshwater aquarium fish that will be sure to turn heads with its egg-shaped body and active personality. It has been given a nickname because of its pot-bellied shape, and the Balloon Molly is a selectively bred variety of the Sailfin Molly.

Its rounded back gives it a balloon-like appearance, but the same applies to the breed and not a sign of illness. They are calm, solid, and energetic — thus, the reason they are a fan favorite among community tanks.

Origin of the Balloon Molly

Balloon Mollies are a tank-raised variety of the Sailfin Molly, native to the brackish seas along the Mexican coast and southern US. Their brackish-water relatives are found in fresh and brackish water environments such as lagoons, marshes, and river estuaries. Balloon Mollies tolerate varying levels of salinity and therefore are a robust aquarium fish.

Temperament of the Balloon Molly

Balloon Mollies are peaceful and nice, thriving in a school. They zip about rapidly and spend a good portion of the day zipping by plants and decorations. The males will occasionally harass the females, but a proportionate ratio of 1:2 male-to-female eliminates stress.

They are so laid-back that they're best kept in a community aquarium, especially among other calm groups of fish.

Balloon Molly Compatibility with Other Fish

Balloon Mollies can be kept peacefully with other peaceful, non-fin-nipping freshwater fish species like:

1. Guppies
2. Platies
3. Swordtails
4. Corydoras catfish
5. Pearl gouramis
6. Harlequin rasboras

Avoid keeping them in aquaria with fin-nipping or violent fish like barbs or large cichlids.

Price Range of the Balloon Molly

Balloon Mollies are inexpensive and easily found, and run in the range of ₹100–₹250 ($1–$3) each, depending on variety, coloration, and size. Specialty color varieties like golden or marble Balloon Mollies are a bit pricier.