Why do Dalmation Mollies turn black?

Category: pets fish and aquariums
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Its quite normal, many dalmation mollys when they are born, are born white or light grey even if their parents were very dark dalmation mollys- as the fry mature they get more and more spots until they eventually reach their final density of black/grey spots. This can also happen the other way around.



Furthermore, why is my white Molly turning black?

Quite often they'll turn a dull grey color if not given adequate light, or none. Could very well be a slime coat issue like another said, without it, or with damage to it, it opens them up to parasites that'd otherwise be no problem. Mollies prefer brackish water settings, but can thrive in a properly cared for tank.

Secondly, why are my mollies aggressive? There are many reasons for the mollies to chase each other. Predominantly, a male molly might chase its female counterpart to mate. A male molly may also become aggressive with the other male population in the tank to mark its territory or for the attention of females present in the aquarium.

Besides, do Dalmation Mollies change color?

Yes-i've been breeding dalmation mollies for a long time and the vast majority of fry will start white and darken to 50%.

Can Dalmation Mollies be aggressive?

Aggressive Dalmatian Molly. My Dalmatian Molly has recently become aggressive to all the other fish in the tank. There's a good chance she could be pregnant and most of the time when fish become pregnant they get aggressive.

22 Related Question Answers Found

Do black mollies change color?

It actually isn't normal. It looks like a skin parasite attack - she is very ill. The patches look like freeswimming flagellates have attacked her. Odds are your water is too soft (too low in minerals) for mollies to stay healthy.

What color do mollies come in?

Molly fish come in varieties of colors which derive from only 3 primitive colors: white, orange, and black. Many other color variations available in the market are: The Marble with its orange, black and yellow spots.

Does Molly change color?

Sometimes mollies DO get in different colors, markings or get darker with age. It's possible she wasn't well cared for before you got her as well, this can cause their colors to become fairly dull.

Will two female mollies fight?

Mollies aren't usually aggressive at all. Any fish can be a bully, but most of the time Mollies are peaceful fish. So two females should not fight. That can add up to an awful lot of baby fish and while they often do eat them, they don't always eat all of them.

Can Mollies kill each other?


It is quite possible yes. Depending on the tank size and the number of Mollies in the group. Also the group dynamics of X# males vs X# females and the sudden change in dynamics.

How do you know when mollies are pregnant?

Physical signs that your molly fish is pregnant:
  1. Changes in color – Colorful molly breeds will develop a black line on their lower bellies;
  2. Swollen belly – On some molly fish (e.g. black mollies), it's hard to spot the black line, but you'll notice they look plumber and their bellies are swollen when they're pregnant.

Are Mollies territorial?

They aren't so much territorial as they are intolerant of other males. One male to many females is most likely to minimize any aggression.

Why do Mollies chase other fish?

Yes it's normal, it could be that they are breeding too. Mollies sometimes chase and attack other mollies while feeding but they will not cause that much harm. However if you have a tank too small and the fish getting bullied is not getting any food at all -> It might die from stress and sickness.

How do mollies mate?

Molly Fishes breed by using the internal fertilization procedure. After the mating of male and female mollies, the ejaculation of male molly allows fertilizing eggs inside the female molly. These eggs remain inside the female molly until the fry mollies are prepared enough and released from the eggs.

Are Molly aggressive?


Mollies are not very aggressive, but can protect themselves, so they are suitable tank mates for almost all tropical community tank fish.

Do Mollies eat other fish?

If they are adult fish then they must be sick and either already dead or dying, mollies do not attack and kill healthy fish. However a sick fish will be attacked and killed, and this is done not just for food, but is a sort of preventive step by other fish.

Do molly fish go to school?

Mollies are not schooling fish they are shoaling fish. Shoaling is kinda like a social group they like to have company but can live alone.

How can you tell if a Dalmation Molly is male or female?

The pointed anal fin and much larger dorsal fin on the male, and the rounded anal fin and pregnancy spot on the female differentiate the two.

How can you tell the difference between male and female mollies?

Fin Shape. Most adult male mollies have longer and more elaborate tails, pectoral fins and dorsal fins than females do. However, the most accurate way to distinguish male mollies from female mollies is to examine the anal fin, located on the underside of the body, between the pectoral fins and the tail.

Are black mollies aggressive?


Black Mollies are generally a peaceful community fish, but multiple males kept in the same tank can become aggressive, and females which are outnumbered by males will tend to be harassed. It is often thought that Black Mollies are best served in Brackish waters, but that's not the case at all.

Are Dalmation Mollies tropical fish?

Mollies are live bearers, quite unlike many other species of tropical freshwater fish, meaning they give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. Molly fish prefer warmer water when breeding thus 80-82° Fahrenheit is the best water temperature.

Are my fish fighting or playing?

There will be visible signs if a fish has been attacked in the tank. Such signs include marks on its body and nips on its fins. A fish that is injured will shy away from the other fish to give itself time to heal. Territorial fish are likely to be aggressive toward fish of their own species that are of the same sex.