Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.

Here is a complete, easy-to-understand guide about the Balloon Molly, a popular and uniquely shaped freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby.

🐠 Balloon Molly Overview

🎨 Appearance

• Body Shape: Short, rounded belly and compressed spine—gives a “balloon” appearance

• Fins: Varieties include short-fin, lyretail, and sailfin

• Colors:

  • Black

  • Orange

  • White

  • Gold dust

  • Dalmatian (white with black spots)

  • Marbled or mixed patterns

🧬 Note: The balloon shape is the result of a genetic mutation causing a curved spine, which may cause internal organ compression or reduced lifespan.

💧 Water Parameters

• Balloon mollies prefer stable, clean water and benefit from aquarium salt (optional).

• Perform 25–30% weekly water changes to maintain water quality.

🌿 Tank Setup

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel

• Plants: Java fern, hornwort, Anubias, Vallisneria (for hiding and comfort)

• Filtration: Sponge or HOB (Hang-On-Back) filter with low to moderate flow

• Decor: Driftwood, rocks, and plants provide hiding spaces

• Lighting: Moderate

🍽️ Diet

• Feeding Type: Omnivorous

• Staple Foods:

  • High-quality flake or micro-pellets

• Supplement With:

  • Blanched vegetables: spinach, peas, cucumber

  • Frozen/live foods: brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms

  • Spirulina for improved digestion and color

Feed small portions 2–3 times per day. Avoid overfeeding to prevent bloating.

🧠 Behavior & Tank Mates

• Temperament: Peaceful, social; prefer being in small groups (3–6+)

• Tank Mates:

  • Guppies, platies, swordtails

  • Tetras, Corydoras catfish, snails, rasboras

  • Avoid fin-nippers or aggressive fish

🐣 Breeding

• Type: Livebearer (gives birth to live fry)

• Gestation: ~4–6 weeks

• Fry Count: 20–60 per birth

• Breeding Tips:

  • Keep 1 male with 2–3 females

  • Separate pregnant females before giving birth

  • Provide floating plants or fry traps for baby fish to hide

• Fry Feeding:

  • Infusoria, baby brine shrimp, crushed flakes

Balloon molly fry also carry the balloon gene—some may develop normal body shapes.

🏥 Health Concerns

⚠️ Special Considerations

• The balloon shape is controversial: some aquarists believe it is unethical due to the fish’s altered spine and potential discomfort.

• Balloon mollies may be less hardy than regular mollies.

• Provide gentle filtration and avoid deep tanks, as they may struggle to swim upward.

✅ Summary

• Great for peaceful community tanks

• Easy to breed and care for with proper conditions

• Require stable water parameters and good tank hygiene

• May have more health vulnerabilities than standard mollies

• Available in many colors and tail shapes