{"product_id":"assorted-balloon-molly","title":"Assorted Balloon Molly","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAssorted Balloon Molly\u003c\/strong\u003e is a colorful selectively bred freshwater livebearer known for its rounded body shape, active personality, and wide variety of colors and patterns. Assorted shipments may include black, white, orange, gold, dalmatian, calico, or mixed-pattern individuals, making each fish unique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBalloon Mollies are generally peaceful community fish and do best in stable, mineral-rich freshwater with good filtration and regular maintenance. Because they are livebearers, healthy adults may reproduce readily in the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistinctive rounded balloon body shape\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvailable in assorted colors and patterns\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful freshwater livebearer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActive and social community fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEach fish may look different\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrefers hard, alkaline, mineral-rich water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOmnivorous diet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMay reproduce readily in the aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFish Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Assorted Balloon Molly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Group:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003ePoecilia\u003c\/em\u003e sp.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater livebearer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally peaceful\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 2.5–3.5 inches for many balloon strains\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSwimming Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Middle to upper levels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eColor and Appearance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAssorted Balloon Mollies may arrive in many different color varieties, including black, orange, white, gold, dalmatian, calico, or mixed patterns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe exact color and pattern received will vary by shipment and individual fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003e20-gallon aquarium or larger\u003c\/strong\u003e is a practical starting point for a small group of Balloon Mollies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarger aquariums provide more swimming room, better water stability, and additional space if the fish begin reproducing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Water Parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 74–82°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 7.2–8.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderately hard to hard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmmonia:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrite:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kept low through routine maintenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBalloon Mollies generally perform best in \u003cstrong\u003ehard, alkaline, mineral-rich water\u003c\/strong\u003e. Stable water conditions are more important than chasing one exact pH value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo Balloon Mollies Need Aquarium Salt?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Aquarium salt is not automatically required for routine care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe more important requirement is adequate mineral content and stable alkaline water. Mollies can tolerate some brackish conditions, but salt should only be used when appropriate for all aquarium inhabitants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a fully cycled freshwater aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide dependable biological and mechanical filtration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintain good surface agitation and oxygenation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd live or artificial plants for cover\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeave open areas for swimming\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a secure aquarium lid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerform regular partial water changes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAssorted Balloon Mollies are omnivores and benefit from a varied diet containing both plant and animal-based foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuality tropical flakes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpirulina flakes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlgae-based foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlanched zucchini or other aquarium-safe vegetables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen brine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen daphnia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBloodworms as an occasional supplemental food\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed small portions once or twice daily and avoid allowing uneaten food to accumulate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTemperament and Social Behavior\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBalloon Mollies are generally peaceful and work well in community aquariums with compatible species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMales may persistently pursue females. When keeping mixed sexes, a ratio of approximately \u003cstrong\u003eone male to two or three females\u003c\/strong\u003e can help reduce pressure on individual females.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatible Tankmates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther mollies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlaties\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSwordtails\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuppies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful rainbowfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHard-water tolerant community fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther peaceful livebearers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid highly aggressive fish, persistent fin nippers, and species that require very soft or acidic water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBalloon Mollies are livebearers, meaning females give birth to free-swimming fry instead of laying eggs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFemales may store sperm and can produce multiple broods after mating. If fry survival is desired, provide dense live plants, floating plants, or a separate grow-out aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMale vs. Female\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMales have a narrow, pointed reproductive fin called a \u003cstrong\u003egonopodium\u003c\/strong\u003e. Females have a broader, fan-shaped anal fin and are generally fuller-bodied.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecial Care for Balloon Mollies\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe balloon body shape is a selectively bred trait that creates a shorter, deeper-bodied fish than a standard molly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid overfeeding.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintain excellent water quality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWatch for persistent buoyancy or swimming difficulties.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse gentle to moderate water movement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChoose peaceful tankmates that will not outcompete them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow large do Balloon Mollies get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMany balloon strains remain around 2.5–3.5 inches, although size can vary by lineage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Balloon Mollies peaceful?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGenerally yes. They are commonly kept in peaceful community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo Balloon Mollies need salt?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNot necessarily. Hard, alkaline, mineral-rich freshwater is more important for routine care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill all assorted Balloon Mollies look the same?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Assorted shipments may contain several different colors and patterns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo Balloon Mollies give birth to live fry?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Mollies are livebearers and can reproduce readily in suitable aquarium conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre they good beginner fish?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey can be, provided the aquarium is fully cycled and the water is sufficiently hard and mineral-rich.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAssorted Balloon Mollies are available at \u003cstrong\u003eTropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/strong\u003e in Cheyenne, Wyoming, when in stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive fish are available for \u003cstrong\u003ein-store purchase or local pickup only\u003c\/strong\u003e and are not available for shipping.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54708279705813,"sku":null,"price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/assorted-balloon-molly","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}