Aquarium fish mollynesia balloon: description, photo, content, reproduction

This beautiful aquarium fish was artificially produced during a careful selection of representatives of the species Molliesia latipin. Molynesia balloon has a very unusual physique - it resembles an air-filled balloon. Taurus shortened, which does not contribute to the normal operation of the internal organs, so the fish needs close attention from the person.

Despite this, the Molliness of the balloon is one of the most popular aquarium inhabitants, which many amateurs of the underwater world are bred.

External Features

Mollies, whose photos often adorn editions for aquarists - viviparous fishes. The natural habitat is the salty and fresh waters of Latin America, from Colombia to Mexico. Male mollies are much smaller than females, in nature representatives of the species reach a length of ten to sixteen centimeters, they are much smaller in the aquarium - they do not exceed eight centimeters.

Mollieses, photos of which you can see in this article, were found in the southern part of the US and Central America. Breeding it in aquariums began in 1899, and the first hybrids appeared in the 20s of the XIX century. In natural conditions, they are painted in a yellowish-gray or silver color and have blue, bluish, green or black spots. The abdomen is usually lighter than the back and is free of stains. Torso short, dense, fins strong and wide. However, during the hybridization and cross-crossing, numerous color variations were obtained.

Molliesia: a description of a variety of balloons

This species also has a shortened body, with a noticeable curvature of the ridge. Mollenesia fish balloon does not grow more than six centimeters. A feature of it is a large abdomen. It is the result of a modification of the species. The internal organs are compressed and small. The color of the body is somewhat reminiscent of the latino mollinezia. But today individuals of other shades are widely distributed: orange, red, black, silvery, gray.

These fish are very adorning the aquarium, so for many fans it is important that the underwater kingdom has a Molynesia balloon. How to distinguish a female from a male? Quite simply - males have genopodia (anal fin) cone-shaped, in females it has a rounded shape.

Molynesia tank: content in the aquarium

These cute fish are not suitable for densely populated small aquariums, although they are fairly hardy and survive even in such conditions, provided they are regularly serviced and cared for by their house. When the pH of the water drops due to the excessive content of organic substances, fish may suffer. In the aquarium for mollies, regular water replacement should be carried out. A quarter of the total volume changes every 2-3 weeks. If the aquarium is overpopulated, this should be done more often.

There is another peculiarity of the content of the balloon mollyses: two and a half teaspoons of aquarium salt should be added to the water for every ten liters of water. Do not forget to add salt water when replacing. In the event that you add water due to evaporation, you do not need to add salt, because it was left in the aquarium.

Despite the fact that these fish prefer salty water, they feel great in fresh water, but on condition that it is not too sour and soft. The water must be alkaline and hard.

Making an aquarium

Molynesia cylinder needs living plants in the aquarium. Fish like greens, especially when it is able to diversify their diet. But try not to overdo it with landscaping - Mollieses need a place to move. Plants floating in the aquarium help the fry survive, and some of them are an additional food. Do not get involved in picturesque snags - they reduce acidity, and for viviparous fish it is undesirable.

Any substrate can be used for a substrate, although in a lighter Mollenezia the balloon will better demonstrate its beautiful coloration. A good filtration is necessary, which will allow maintaining stable water values. In addition, in well-purified water, males display their best colors.

These are quite active fish, which need a large space for swimming. If the fish is small, then the minimum volume of the aquarium should be at least 55 liters. If you keep a group of mollies, you need to increase it to at least 75 liters, and the ratio should be as follows: one male for three females. This will help you avoid quarrels between males. Preferred water temperature: 21-28 ° C, pH: 7.0-8.5, stiffness - 20-30 dGH.

Feeding

Although experienced aquarists believe that balloon mollies is an omnivorous fish, one must not forget that it has a high demand for plant foods. The diet of this variety should include many algae and other vegetarian food. In nature, their diet consists mainly of rotifers and algae. Small water insects and crustaceans form an insignificant part.

In the aquarium Mollenezia balloon with pleasure eats ready-made food and live foods, but it appreciates a large amount of plant food. Vegetable flakes in combination with blanched spinach and fresh cucumbers will be an excellent addition to the main diet. Do not forget to remove the remaining food in good time. Between feeds, mollynesia will gladly bite aquarium plants and some aquarium algae.

From protein food, these fish also will not refuse, but they can not exist exclusively on it. Treat them from time to time with artemia (live or frozen), bloodworm, tubule. Food should be varied, several times a day. Feed in small amounts, in such quantity that it was eaten in three minutes.

Mollies Cylinder: Reproduction

Molliesia is a viviparous fish: the offspring are born fully adapted to life in the water. The life span of this variety is from 3 to 5 years.

Molliesia easily reproduce in the aquarium, and the offspring very quickly reaches puberty. Depending on the size of the fish and age, the female gives birth to a hundred fry. In addition, the feature of live-bearing fish is that the male's sperm persists in the female's body for a long time. This allows you to give birth to fry several times, even if the male is removed from the aquarium.

For breeding, you only need to purchase individuals from both sexes, and these fish will overfill the aquarium in a short time.

Pregnancy

Molynesia balloon pregnant is clearly visible in the aquarium: it has a dark spot in the lower abdomen next to the anal fin and a large belly. Pregnancy in Molliesia lasts about four weeks, after which the fry appear fry. Many aquarists argue that with age, the largest individuals are capable of giving birth to two hundred and fifty fry.

In a common aquarium, offspring can be eaten by older fish if they are not planted in time. You can use to protect them floating plants. After giving birth, the female does not immediately restore its "figure" - for some time it still remains a little thick. This is due to the fact that at one time it does not give birth to all the fry, but continues to breed fertilized eggs. Due to this feature, the female of Mollinesse is able to bring offspring for six months without any participation of the male.

Molly Mollies

We mentioned the endurance, which distinguishes the Mollenezia balloon. Fry, in contrast to adults, are very sensitive to water parameters, especially harmful impurities. Frequent water renewal is recommended. To make the offspring easier to adapt and not afraid to take food (fry in the first days of life are afraid to take it), put Javanese moss in the jar. The very first food for juveniles is fried food, small infusoria.

If you have nowhere to evacuate the fry, use five-liter cans with constant running water. Banks should be placed in a bright place, but direct sunlight should not fall on them.

Compatibility

Mollieses are active, but at the same time peaceful inhabitants of the aquarium, they are very sociable, like to live in the neighborhood with their species or with other viviparous fishes. Males sometimes quarrel, but do not cause each other serious injuries. Only some fish demonstrate a character that can manifest itself in aggressive behavior. Mollenesia can be maintained with any fish that has a similar temperament, which has the same requirements for the chemical composition of water.

Avoid the neighborhood with fish that can damage the fins of their peaceful neighbors. This is primarily true of the Sumatran barbeque. Bottom catfish corridors, pecilia, other viviparous, some kinds of rainbow fish will be their best neighbors. Not bad neighbors with molliesia tetris, carp, other haratsinovye, which are able to live in such parameters of water.

Diseases

All the inhabitants of the aquarium can be sick. The balloon is not an exception. Most often, the cause of the ailments of this fish is hypothermia, inappropriate water parameters, infections. The owner of the aquarium can very quickly notice the signs of the beginning of the disease: on the scales appear pimples or dots, on the skin you can see raised spots and ulcers.

Molliesia, painted in black, sometimes suffer from an ailment called melanosis. This disease occurs because of increased skin pigmentation, which often causes tumors. For the prevention of many diseases should strictly monitor the temperature regime in the aquarium, the cleanliness of feed, soils and decorations. Affected fish should be removed from the common aquarium. They should be transferred to quarantine in another tank and fed in a balanced manner.