



Evolution has slowly turned mollies away from a carnivorous diet, and more towards a plant-based diet, so their digestive systems are designed to digest algae better than most other tropical fish. In the wild, mollies prefer to eat a plant-based diet, most specifically, algae. However, all mollies prefer warm water, so a temperature between 25 and 28 degrees would be optimal. There are many to choose from, and the term ‘mollies’ is quite vague since there are so many variations of size, color, and optimal tank conditions.īecause of the vast difference between each type of molly fish, choosing the right water conditions can be tough. They are great for beginners because they are extremely hardy, and are not as aggressive as some other tropical fish. Mollies are versatile fish, which can survive in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums if the changes are made gradually. Give them a couple of weeks and they will be eating comfortably. In terms of dietary needs, they will eat just about any type of fish food, although they may not take to it at first if it’s a new tank. They are best kept in schools, so anything above 6 is preferred. In order to make your Cherry Barb feel as settled and as secure as possible, we recommend that you keep some live plants, allowing them to hide whenever they feel the need.īarbs can take a while to come out of their shells. They are very active fish, and once they become accustomed to their new surroundings, they will be very active and fun to watch. They can tolerate big changes in water parameters, they are friendly (unlike their long-lost cousins Tiger Barbs), they only grow to around 2 inches long and in general, they are an easy fish to take care of.Īs one of the most endangered species of fish in the wild, the Cherry Barb is still a favorite within the fishkeeping community, thanks to its bright, eye-catching colors, and its entertainment value. Although they may take a while to settle into their new tank, Cherry Barbs are the perfect freshwater fish for a home aquarium for all of the reasons listed above.
