{"product_id":"black-balloon-molly-poecilia-sphenops","title":"Black Balloon Molly (Poecilia sphenops)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eBlack Balloon Molly (Poecilia sphenops) — Classic Elegance in Jet Black\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Balloon Molly\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003ePoecilia sphenops\u003c\/em\u003e) is one of the most iconic and enduringly popular varieties of fancy molly. Its deep, velvety jet-black colouration and distinctive rounded balloon body give it a bold, striking presence that stands out beautifully in any community aquarium. Hardy, peaceful, and easy to keep, the Black Balloon Molly is a timeless choice for beginners and experienced fishkeepers alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBold, Dark, and Beautiful\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Black Balloon Molly’s rich, uniform black colouration is its defining feature — a deep, lustrous black that absorbs light and creates a dramatic contrast against bright plants, light substrate, and colourful tankmates. Its compact, rounded body and active, curious nature make it a lively and engaging addition to any freshwater community setup. A school of Black Balloon Mollies creates a striking, cohesive display that never goes out of style.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCare Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Poecilia sphenops\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Selectively bred variety; wild type from Central America and Mexico\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 6–8 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful; an excellent community fish compatible with a wide range of tankmates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore — accepts quality flake, micro pellets, blanched vegetables, and occasional live or frozen foods; benefits from algae and plant matter in the diet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.0–8.5 (adaptable; tolerates slightly brackish conditions)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suitable from 60L upward\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLivebearer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gives birth to live young; females may give birth every 4–6 weeks in a well-maintained aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e The balloon body is a selectively bred trait; provide good water quality and avoid housing with fin-nipping species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAquascape Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Black Balloon Molly thrives in planted community aquariums with open swimming space and gentle to moderate water flow. It pairs beautifully with other livebearers — platies, swordtails, and guppies — as well as peaceful tetras, corydoras, and dwarf gouramis. Its bold black colouration creates a stunning contrast against lush green planting and brightly coloured tankmates, making it a natural focal point in any freshwater community setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eClassic, bold, and effortlessly elegant — the Black Balloon Molly is the timeless livebearer that brings depth and drama to every aquarium.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aquapets ( KowloonAquarium)","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54068482146577,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0679\/9225\/6785\/files\/black-balloon-molly-livestock-820_1200x1200_crop_center_255b62c9-58f8-4ef6-9a30-81609d00d1d8.webp?v=1785477627","url":"https:\/\/www.aquapets.ca\/products\/black-balloon-molly-poecilia-sphenops","provider":"Aquapets ( KowloonAquarium)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}