Looking at the aquarium, you will find your molly fish swimming and playing around once in a while. That view is soothing and beautiful when you see them swimming happily in the tank. And these mollies will swim all around the tank, even in the top and bottom sections. So, the question lingers. What part of the tank does molly fish swim in?
Molly fish are active fish that move around and swim in different tank parts. But since these fish are top swimmers, you will often find them swimming happily on the top or midsection of the tank close to the lid and water surface. Mollies also need proper oxygen to breathe in to swim towards the top section of the tank more.
This is an important question to know, as it can help you set up your fish tank. So, brace yourself for the journey of swimming and understanding why your molly fish prefers that fundamental part to hang out.
What Part Of The Tank Do Molly Fish Swim?
Molly Fish typically swims in the middle of a tank. However, some breeds of Mollies also like to hang out near plants or other decorations on the bottom of a fish tank. If there are no plants or rocks to rest on, they will often swim near the top of a tank.
Moreover, the different parts of the tank where Molly fish swim in other circumstances are:
Top Part Of The Tank
I know that if you are raising a molly, you will notice them hanging out near the water’s surface or the bubbles that the filter creates.
This is not coincidental or something out of line; trust me, this part of the tank is their favorite place to stay and swim.
As long as you see them swimming in the topmost part, you can take a rest and maintain the water condition and diet.
Middle Of The Tank
This is their usual place to swim. If there are no plants or rocks around, they will typically stay in this tank region unless something else catches their attention.
Toward The Bottom
This happens when there is a problem with water quality. Sometimes, fish will swim toward the bottom to protect themselves from pollutants in the tank that may be harmful. If you notice your Molly Fish swimming towards the bottom, check your filter or change some of their water – it could also signal an impending illness.
Near Plants Or Other Decorations
This can signal to you that your fish is happy and healthy. Mollies like plants because plants provide hiding places, cover from predators, and shelter for little ones as they grow up. If you find your fish lying in those plants without showing unusual signs like eating the leaves, it may be safe to assume that your Molly Fish likes its location.
Molly fish like to swim near plants and decorations because it gives them places to hide, rest, or explore.
What Are The Tank Requirements For Molly Fish?
Mollies are freshwater fish that live in tropical conditions but adapt well to different types of water. They love water temperatures between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH range between 7.3 and 8. They can grow up to four inches long but prefer two or three inches only.
However, some of the tank requirements for the excellent health of Molly fish are:
Optimal Water Conditions
Keep the water clean at all times. Do partial water changes once a week and not overfeed them as this can pollute their environment. Molly fish can live happily in the ideal water parameters.
Proper Lights And Heater
Mollies do not require unique lights. But since these fish like to swim at night, it is better to use a lamp’s light with low intensity. This will help you observe your fish’s movements in the dark.
Ensure that Molly fish gets enough light but not too much as this can cause algae to grow on their skin. You must also use a heater in the tank to maintain a stable water temperature and keep them healthy.
Sufficient Food
Mollies are omnivores and love to eat vegetables. This is why they need a lot of green plants in their tank so that the plant leaves can fall into the water and serve as food for Molly fish. Besides this, you must also include protein sources in their tank. The best commercial food that you can use for these fish might be flake pellets. It will provide all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and protein for your fish.
Regular Water Changes
One of the tank requirements is to change the water regularly. For Molly fish to be healthy, you should change 20% of your tank water at least once a week and after every medication treatment (you will need one in case it gets sick).
Tank Size
Mollies are not big fishes. Therefore require a smaller aquarium than most other species do. However, a 20-gallon aquarium is perfect for a few of them. This will allow Mollies to swim and keep some decorations and plants.
Molly Fish Tank Mates
Molly fish are peaceful, and they can live with other species like guppies or platy fishes without eating each other in the tank. But never keep more than two females per male. Otherwise, mollies will become aggressive and start fighting with their partners till one dies.
Tank Decorations
Mollies fish prefers to swim in the middle of the tank. So keeping decorations in the tank will make these fish busy and active.
Filtration System
Molly fish needs a clean and healthy environment to live in. Therefore, you must keep the tank clean and free from debris by using a filter to remove dirt particles but not suck Molly fish with them. The most common filter system used is the external canister filter.
At Part Of the Tank Do Molly Fish Swim At Night?
Some people are wondering if Molly Fish swims at night. The answer to that is yes, they do. They usually sleep during the day on a rock or some other place where their fins can cover them like algae and then come out at night to eat and play around.
During the night, Molly fish mostly swims towards the top of the tank. It may not breathe better there simply because they like it.
Where Do Molly Fish Swim In The Tank During Day?
During the day, Molly fish swim on the top of an aquarium to feel safe. However, it is not a good practice to have strong water currents.
Since it is tough for these fish to get familiar with such conditions, strong water currents make them feel unsafe. So, you should use a slow or medium flow current if you want your mollies to swim in the top of your tank.
Molly Fish are very active fish that like to move a lot. Thus, you should ensure that rocks and other objects provide them with enough space to explore because they need it for their mental and physical health.
Things That Determine Where Molly Fish Will Swim In The Tank:
Molly fish can swim in any part of the tank. However, some factors determine whether they will stay on top or hide at the bottom. These are:
Food Availability
Molly Fish usually swims in the top when hungry because food is available there. This makes them swim towards the light, making it easy for fish farmers to feed them and see where their food goes.
Number Of Mollies
One or two Mollies are okay in a ten-gallon tank. However, more than eight fish will make it difficult to hide and swim at the bottom of the tank. Also, too many fish will make the water dirty faster and thus require more frequent cleaning.
Size Of Aquarium
Molly fish will stay at the top when they have enough space. Their activity level will increase in a small aquarium, making them swim fast throughout the tank.
When there is less space, it becomes difficult for Molly to get food or make shelters in bulk quantity, and thus these fishes tend to hide under rocks or inside caves in the soil.
Temperature Of The Water
Molly fish prefer water between 75 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. However, when the aquarium temperature falls below this range or rises above it, they stay at the bottom to keep warm or cool off. This is because Molly cannot adapt quickly to changes in their environment. So it becomes necessary for them to hide in the right place.
Brightness Of The Water
Molly will stay at the top when the aquarium has a bright light because they can quickly see predators and other fish coming from above them.
However, when there are dim lights or dark places in the aquarium, these fishes prefer to hide at the bottom of the tank, where it becomes difficult for predators to spot them.
Some FAQs
Do Molly Fish Need Company?
Molly fish are very social creatures, and you need to keep them in pairs or groups of three. It is best not to keep them alone as it will cause the poor mollies a lot of stress, leading to illness, disease, and even death. However, they become territorial when breeding, so having them with other mollies would be great.
Why is My Molly Fish Lying on the Bottom of the Tank?
When your Molly becomes overstressed, they will lie motionless on their side at the bottom of the tank. This can occur due to stress due to bullying, aggression from other tank mates, and even disease. If you notice your Molly lying on the bottom of the tank for an extended period without moving, it is best to keep an eye on them or consult with someone experienced in keeping these great fish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best place for the Molly Fish to swim is in the middle of a tank. But they can also swim towards either end. It’s entirely up to them!
Your main goal should be making sure you have enough room for all of your fish and that each one will get space where it feels comfortable swimming on its own.
As long as you keep in mind where Molly Fish likes to swim, they will be fine! 🙂
Good Luck, my friend!