19 Great Molly Fish Tank Mates (With Pictures)

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Mollies are among my favorite types of fish, mainly because they are incredibly peaceful and bring life to home aquariums.

But what other fish can live with them in the same tank? How do you choose the right species, and which fish should you avoid?

As I used to ask these questions numerous times in the past, I decided to dedicate an entire article to this very topic.

So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.

Also Read: Molly Fish Care Guide

How To Choose Tank Mates For Molly Fish

When picking tank mates for molly fish, there are three key things to consider:

Water requirements
Behavioral traits
The fish’s size

Here is what you should know:

1. Understanding Water Conditions

Molly fish are adaptable and can live in various water conditions, but they typically prefer slightly alkaline water with a temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C).

Therefore, it’s essential to consider fish that can thrive in these conditions. Here’s how water conditions factor into compatibility:

Temperature compatibility: Ensure that the molly fish tank mates you choose can live comfortably within a temperature range of 72-82°F. Fish species with drastically different temperature needs may cause health problems for both parties.
pH compatibility: Molly fish prefer slightly alkaline water (pH 7.5-8.5). Therefore, tank mates that can also thrive in these pH levels are preferable.
Hardness and salinity: Mollies are versatile and can live in both fresh and brackish water. Choosing tank mates that can tolerate similar levels of hardness and salinity is important.

Cleanliness: While mollies are hardy fish, they still need clean, well-maintained water to thrive. Similarly, their tank mates should also be species that don’t excessively dirty the water or need extraordinarily pristine conditions.

2. Behavioral Traits

Molly fish are generally peaceful but can be a bit boisterous, especially when they’re in larger groups.

Therefore, considering the behavioral traits of potential tank mates is crucial. Here’s why behavioral traits matter:

Peaceful nature: Ideal molly fish tank mates should be peaceful and able to coexist without aggression.
Activity level: As mollies are active swimmers, tank mates that can tolerate this activity level without getting stressed are preferable.
Territorial behavior: Avoid overly territorial species, as mollies prefer a social and community-based environment.

Breeding behavior: Some fish, including mollies, can become more territorial or aggressive during breeding. Understanding potential tank mates’ breeding behaviors can prevent conflicts.

3. Size Matters

Molly fish can vary in size, but they generally grow to about 4.5 inches in length. It’s important to consider this when choosing tank mates. Here’s why size matters:

Avoiding predation: Tank mates should not be large enough to view molly fish as food. Fish that are significantly larger than mollies may pose a risk.

Avoiding bullying: Conversely, mollies shouldn’t be able to bully or harm smaller tank mates.
Shared space: Tank mates should be comfortable with the active swimming of molly fish and should not feel overcrowded.
Mouth size and feeding: Fish with similar mouth sizes will ensure that all species get their fair share of food and mollies are not outcompeted during feeding times.

Also Read: How To Feed Molly Fish

Best 19 Tank Mates For Molly Fish

Considering these factors, let’s see which are the best species to keep with mollies:

Fish Species	Compatibility Score
Platy Fish	10/10
Guppy Fish	10/10
Swordtail Fish	9/10
Endler’s Livebearer	9/10
Corydoras Catfish	8/10
Otocinclus Catfish	8/10
Harlequin Rasbora	8/10
Ember Tetra	7/10
Zebra Danio	7/10
Bristlenose Pleco	7/10
Neon Tetra	7/10
Kuhli Loach	7/10
Female Betta Fish	6/10
Cherry Shrimp	6/10
Galaxy Rasbora	6/10
Hatchetfish	6/10
Dwarf Gourami	5/10
Bolivian Ram	5/10
Siamese Algae Eaters	5/10

1. Platy Fish

Scientific Name: Xiphophorus maculatus

Temperature: 70-78°F (21-26°C)
pH: 7.0-8.3
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Adult Size: 2.5 inches
Recommended School Size: 5+
Care Level: Easy

Compatibility: 10/10
Comment: Platies share similar temperaments and thrive under similar water conditions as mollies, which makes them great tank mates.

Platies are livebearers, just like mollies, meaning they give birth to live fry instead of laying eggs.

They thrive in the same water conditions and have a similar peaceful temperament to mollies, making them perfect companions.

Furthermore, their compatibility is further heightened by their shared diet, which includes flake foods, vegetables, and occasional live foods.

2. Guppy Fish

Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata

Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
pH: 6.8-7.8
Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons

Adult Size: 1.5 inches
Recommended School Size: 3+
Care Level: Easy

Compatibility: 10/10
Comment: Guppies and mollies coexist well due to similar water parameters and dietary needs.

Guppies are small, colorful fish that are known for their active and peaceful nature.

Their compatibility with mollies is high due to similar environmental needs, such as temperature and pH.

Moreover, they are also livebearers and share a similar omnivorous diet, making them an excellent match for mollies.

Also Read: Can Molly Fish And Guppies Live Together?

3. Swordtail Fish

Scientific Name: Xiphophorus hellerii
Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
pH: 7.0-8.4

Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
Adult Size: 4 inches
Recommended School Size: 5+

Care Level: Easy
Compatibility: 9/10
Comment: Swordtails and mollies are both peaceful and enjoy similar water conditions, making them good companions, although swordtails may need larger tanks.

Swordtails are popular among aquarists for their vibrant colors and peaceful nature. They can coexist well with mollies due to their shared water parameters and temperament.

However, they can grow up to 4 inches, which is slightly larger than mollies, and thus might require a bit larger tank space.

4. Endler’s Livebearer

Scientific Name: Poecilia wingei

Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
pH: 6.7-8.5
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Adult Size: 1 inch
Recommended School Size: 3+
Care Level: Easy

Compatibility: 9/10
Comment: Endler’s Livebearers are peaceful, small, and share the same environmental needs with mollies, but may interbreed, creating hybrids.

Endler’s Livebearers are small, peaceful fish that share similar environmental needs with mollies. They are also livebearers which increases their compatibility.

Nevertheless, their interbreeding with mollies can lead to hybrid species, which may not always be desirable and should be kept in mind.

5. Corydoras Catfish

Scientific Name: Corydoras spp.
Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)

pH: 6.0-8.0
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Adult Size: 1-3 inches

Recommended School Size: 6+
Care Level: Intermediate
Compatibility: 8/10

Comment: Corydoras are generally peaceful and tend to avoid mollies, but they do need slightly larger tanks.

Corydoras are bottom-dwelling catfish known for their peaceful nature and diligent scavenging.

They mostly stay at the bottom of the tank, keeping out of the mollies’ way, which reduces potential conflicts.

However, their need for a slightly larger tank due to their size and group requirements might be a limitation to consider.

Also Read: Can Molly Fish And Cory Catfish Live Together?

6. Otocinclus Catfish

Scientific Name: Otocinclus spp.

Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
pH: 6.0-7.5
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

Adult Size: 2 inches
Recommended School Size: 6+
Care Level: Intermediate

Compatibility: 8/10
Comment: Otocinclus are generally peaceful and can cohabit with mollies, but they may need more specific care and a slightly larger tank.

Otocinclus are small, peaceful algae-eating catfish. They typically keep to themselves, spending their time nibbling on algae, which means they won’t bother mollies.

However, they require more specific care and a slightly larger tank which might make them a bit less compatible.

7. Harlequin Rasbora

Scientific Name: Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Temperature: 72-80°F (22-27°C)

pH: 5.5-7.5
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Adult Size: 2 inches

Recommended School Size: 5+
Care Level: Easy
Compatibility: 8/10

Comment: Harlequin Rasboras are generally peaceful and get along well with mollies, but prefer slightly acidic water conditions.

Harlequin Rasboras are small schooling fish that are generally peaceful.

They can get along well with mollies, provided the tank is big enough for both species to establish their territories.

Their preference for slightly acidic water can be balanced with mollies’ preference for slightly alkaline water to maintain a neutral pH.

8. Ember Tetra

Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon amandae
Temperature: 73-84°F (23-29°C)

pH: 5.5-7.0
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Adult Size: 1 inch

Recommended School Size: 6+
Care Level: Easy
Compatibility: 7/10

Comment: Ember Tetras are peaceful and can live with mollies, though they prefer more acidic water.

Ember Tetras are small, bright orange schooling fish known for their peaceful nature. They can coexist with mollies, but they prefer slightly more acidic water conditions.

It’s important to note that maintaining a balance in the water conditions that can accommodate both species can sometimes be a bit challenging.

9. Zebra Danio

Scientific Name: Danio rerio
Temperature: 64-75°F (18-24°C)
pH: 6.5-7.0

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Adult Size: 2 inches
Recommended School Size: 5+

Care Level: Easy
Compatibility: 7/10
Comment: Zebra Danios can live with mollies, but they prefer slightly cooler water conditions.

Zebra Danios are small, active schooling fish known for their distinctive horizontal stripes. They can live with mollies but prefer slightly cooler water conditions.

Adjusting the temperature to suit both species can be done, but care should be taken to ensure it’s within the acceptable range for both.

Also Read: Can Molly Fish And Zebra Danios Live Together?

10. Bristlenose Pleco

Scientific Name: Ancistrus spp.
Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
pH: 6.5-7.5

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Adult Size: 5 inches
Recommended School Size: Single

Care Level: Intermediate
Compatibility: 7/10
Comment: Bristlenose Plecos can coexist with mollies, but they may need a significantly larger tank and can sometimes be territorial.

Bristlenose Plecos are unique-looking, peaceful catfish that mostly stay at the bottom of the tank.

They can live with mollies but they do grow significantly larger, requiring more tank space. They can also sometimes be territorial, which may pose an issue in a smaller tank.

11. Neon Tetra

Scientific Name: Paracheirodon innesi

Temperature: 70-81°F (21-27°C)
pH: 5.0-7.5
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Adult Size: 1.5 inches
Recommended School Size: 6+
Care Level: Easy

Compatibility: 7/10
Comment: Neon Tetras are peaceful and can live with mollies, but they prefer slightly acidic water.

Neon Tetras are small, brightly colored schooling fish that are popular in the aquarium hobby. They can live peacefully with mollies, but they prefer slightly more acidic water.

The compatibility can be maintained by providing a balance in the water conditions to suit both species.

Also Read: Mollies And Neon Tetras

12. Kuhli Loach

Scientific Name: Pangio kuhlii
Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
pH: 5.5-7.0
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Adult Size: 4 inches
Recommended School Size: 6+
Care Level: Intermediate
Compatibility: 7/10
Comment: Kuhli Loaches are generally peaceful but tend to be more nocturnal and prefer more specific water conditions than mollies.

Kuhli Loaches are unique, eel-like fish that typically spend their time hiding in the substrate or decorations.

They are peaceful and won’t bother mollies, but their nocturnal nature and preference for specific water conditions might make them less compatible.

13. Female Betta Fish

Scientific Name: Betta splendens
Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
pH: 6.5-7.5
Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons
Adult Size: 2.5 inches
Recommended School Size: Single
Care Level: Intermediate
Compatibility: 6/10
Comment: Female Bettas can coexist with mollies but their temperament can vary and they can sometimes become aggressive.

Female Bettas are generally less aggressive than their male counterparts but their temperament can still vary.

They can live with mollies but there’s a risk of occasional aggression.

Therefore, they might be a bit less compatible with mollies, particularly in smaller tanks or if the betta feels threatened.

Also Read: Can Molly Fish And Betta Fish Live Together?

14. Cherry Shrimp

Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi
Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
pH: 6.5-8.0
Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons
Adult Size: 1.5 inches
Recommended School Size: 10+
Care Level: Easy
Compatibility: 6/10
Comment: Cherry shrimp are peaceful but may be seen as food by larger mollies.

Cherry Shrimps are small, colorful, and peaceful invertebrates. They can live in the same tank with mollies but due to their small size, larger mollies might see them as food.

To mitigate this risk, plenty of hiding places in the form of plants or decorations should be provided in the tank.

15. Galaxy Rasbora

Scientific Name: Danio margaritatus
Temperature: 73-79°F (23-26°C)
pH: 6.5-7.5
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Adult Size: 1 inch
Recommended School Size: 6+
Care Level: Intermediate
Compatibility: 6/10
Comment: Galaxy Rasboras can live with mollies but they are shy and may get stressed by the active mollies.

Galaxy Rasboras, also known as celestial pearl danios, are small, peaceful fish that are known for their stunning appearance.

They can live with mollies, but they tend to be shy and might get stressed by more active fish like mollies. Providing them with plenty of hiding spots can help them feel more secure.

16. Hatchetfish

Scientific Name: Gasteropelecidae spp.
Temperature: 73-80°F (23-27°C)
pH: 6.0-7.5
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Adult Size: 2.5 inches
Recommended School Size: 6+
Care Level: Intermediate
Compatibility: 6/10
Comment: Hatchetfish can live with mollies but they prefer a more tranquil environment.

Hatchetfish are unique-looking surface dwellers that prefer a calm environment. They can live with mollies but the active nature of mollies might disturb their tranquil environment.

To mitigate this, a larger tank or a tank design that provides separate zones for the two species might be necessary.

17. Dwarf Gourami

Scientific Name: Trichogaster lalius
Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH: 6.0-8.0
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Adult Size: 3.5 inches
Recommended School Size: Single
Care Level: Intermediate
Compatibility: 5/10
Comment: Dwarf Gouramis can coexist with mollies but they can sometimes be territorial.

Dwarf Gouramis are colorful, slow-moving fish that are generally peaceful but can become territorial.

They can live with mollies, but their potential aggression, especially during breeding, might pose an issue.

Providing enough space for all inhabitants to establish their territories can help mitigate potential conflicts.

Also Read: Can Gouramis Live With Mollies?

18. Bolivian Ram

Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
pH: 6.0-7.5
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Adult Size: 3 inches
Recommended School Size: Single
Care Level: Intermediate
Compatibility: 5/10
Comment: Bolivian Rams can live with mollies but they can sometimes be territorial, especially during breeding.

Bolivian Rams are peaceful cichlids that can sometimes become territorial, particularly during breeding.

They can live with mollies but these occasional bouts of territorial behavior might be a concern.

Hence, a larger tank with enough hiding spots is advised to reduce potential conflicts.

19. Siamese Algae Eaters

Scientific Name: Crossocheilus oblongus
Temperature: 75-79°F (24-26°C)
pH: 6.5-7.0
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Adult Size: 6 inches
Recommended School Size: Single
Care Level: Intermediate
Compatibility: 5/10
Comment: Siamese Algae Eaters can live with mollies but they prefer a larger tank and can sometimes become territorial.

Siamese Algae Eaters are known for their voracious appetite for algae and peaceful nature.

They can live with mollies but they do grow larger and can sometimes become territorial, which might affect the compatibility.

A larger tank and adequate hiding spots can help maintain peace in the tank.

Also Read: Molly Fry Care

Fish Species To Avoid In A Molly Fish Tank

If you have a molly fish tank and are looking for companions, there are a few fish species I suggest avoiding:

Also Read: Do Mollies Eat Snails?

1. Angelfish

Angelfish are larger and more aggressive than mollies, and they can view smaller fish as prey.

Furthermore, they prefer slightly acidic water conditions (pH 6-7.5), which doesn’t match with the mollies’ preference for slightly alkaline water, making them incompatible tank mates.

Also Read: Do Angelfish And Mollies Get Along?

2. Male Betta Fish

Male Bettas are known for their aggressive and territorial behavior, especially towards other brightly colored or long-finned fish, which includes mollies.

Their aggression can lead to stress and potential harm to mollies, making them poor tank mates.

3. Oscar Fish

Oscar Fish are significantly larger and more aggressive than mollies.

They can easily grow up to 12 inches and have a tendency to eat smaller fish, which poses a direct threat to the molly fish, making them very incompatible.

4. Tiger Barb

Tiger Barbs are notorious fin-nippers, and mollies, with their flowing fins, can become prime targets.

This behavior can cause stress and physical harm to mollies, making tiger barbs unsuitable as tank mates.

5. Discus

Discus fish prefer significantly warmer and softer water conditions than mollies. They require temperatures around 82-86°F and a pH of 6-7.

Moreover, their calm nature might not mesh well with the active mollies, causing compatibility issues.

6. Goldfish

Goldfish prefer cooler water (60-70°F), which is lower than the tropical temperatures preferred by mollies.

Moreover, goldfish generate a substantial amount of waste, resulting in a notable rise in ammonia levels within the tank, thus posing health problems for mollies.

Also Read: Can Mollies Live With Goldfish?

Conclusions

For those of you who are in a rush, here is a brief summary of what I discussed earlier:

Choosing tank mates for mollies requires considering water conditions, behavioral traits, and size to ensure compatibility and a harmonious environment.
Preferred water parameters for mollies include slightly alkaline pH and a temperature range of 72-82°F, which should be taken into account when selecting tank mates.
Peaceful nature, activity level, and breeding behavior are important behavioral traits to consider when choosing tank mates for mollies.
Tank mates should be of a size that mollies do not view them as food or pose a risk of bullying, and there should be enough space for comfortable coexistence.
Platies, guppies, swordtail fish, Endler’s livebearers, and Corydoras catfish are recommended tank mates, while angelfish, male bettas, Oscars, tiger barbs, discus, and goldfish should be avoided.