Balsas Molly

About

The Balsas Molly (Poecilia maylandi) is a livebearer native to the Rio Balsas drainage in Guerrero, Mexico. A relatively obscure species compared to its more familiar molly cousins, but one that rewards keepers who seek it out. Like most of the poeciliid family, it is constantly on the move, patrolling every corner of the tank in search of food or social interaction. Males are particularly lively, regularly squaring off against one another in low-level sparring matches over females, so keeping a higher ratio of females to males helps keep the peace. This species has a genuine appetite for algae, and a tank with healthy algal growth on rocks and glass will keep it happier and healthier than bare, spotless setups. Supplementing the diet with vegetable-based foods is a good idea for the same reason. Given its intermediate care rating, the Balsas Molly is better suited to keepers who have some livebearer experience under their belt. Not because it is particularly fragile, but because its specific preferences and the management of male aggression benefit from a practiced eye. A small species by molly standards, it fits comfortably into a modest-sized planted setup.