13 Best Mollies Tank Mates

Are you looking for some friendly fish as mollies tank mates —but confused about which to go for? To make things easier for you, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best mollies tank companions after lots of research and taking into consideration the pros and cons of each species. Let’s dive into it!

Best Mollies Tank Mates—What You Need To Know

Here’s a list of the main factors and parameters that need to be considered while choosing a tank mate for mollies:

Temperament

Molly fish are pretty peaceful creatures and generally cause very little trouble. Keeping this in mind, any tank mate for mollies should also be gentle and peace-loving as well as friendly enough to keep them company.

Size

It is best to choose fish that are neither too small nor too large in comparison to mollies. A larger fish could be a cause for disturbance in the aquarium whereas smaller fish can be preyed upon by others. In general, anywhere between 2-6 inches is a good size that is compatible with mollies.

Competition

While choosing tank mates for mollies, be careful to avoid any fish species that are particularly aggressive or competitive, as they could cause unrest in the aquarium and upset the other fish. 

However, keep in mind that a bit of non-violent competition among fish is natural. Go for species that are peace-loving yet social enough to engage in friendly competition with the mollies.

Parameters ; Tank Setup

Choose fish that require a similar tank setup as mollies and can live comfortably within the same parameters (temperature, tank volume, etc.). Goldfish, for example, are not compatible as tank mates for mollies because they prefer much cooler temperatures.

Top 12 Best Mollies Tank Mates

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1. Guppies

• Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
• Adult Size:  Up to 2.5 inches
• Compatible with: Most community fish
• Water Temperature: 75-82 °F
• Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
• Care Level: Easy

Guppies are a top-notch choice for mollies’ tank mates because of their easy-going temperament, and similar care, dietary and tank requirements. They share a lot of characteristics with mollies, since both are omnivorous and livebearer fish. 

Male guppies are smaller than females and have beautifully vivid colors that will definitely brighten up your tank. Guppies are lively, active fish and there might be some friendly competition for food but they are usually not aggressive.

Pros: 

• Guppies are lively and have a peaceful temperament
• Similar characteristics to mollies
• Easy to care for

Cons: 

• High reproductive rate (breed frequently)

2. Platies

• Scientific Name: Xiphophorus
• Adult Size: Up to 2.5 inches
• Compatible with: Most peaceful species
• Water Temperature: 72-78 °F
• Minimum tank size: 13 gallons
• Care Level: Easy

Platies are extremely social and get along very well with other species, including mollies and guppies. They thrive best when kept in larger communities of fish with multiple schools. 

They have similar dietary and care requirements to mollies and are fast and active. You may also notice that these fish come in a variety of striking colors such as gold, blue, green and black.

One thing you should keep in mind is that platies reproduce frequently and their population can quickly get out of hand. To prevent this, limit the number of male platies in the tank. 

Pros:

• Platies are very social 
• They have similar characteristics to mollies
• Get along with mollies well

Cons:

• Require a slightly bigger tank
• Breed quickly

3. Endlers

• Scientific Name: Poecilia wingei
• Adult Size: 1 inch
• Compatible with: Mollies, guppies
• Water Temperature: 78-80 °F
• Minimum tank size: 5 gallons
• Care Level: Easy

Endlers are tiny, brightly-colored fish with a characteristic green luster on their scales. Although small in size, they are quite energetic and inquisitive and will actively explore all the areas of the tank.

They are sociable and friendly with no specific dietary needs except that the food pellets should be small in order to fit their mouths properly.

As a species, endlers are quite similar to guppies and can even breed with them.

Pros:

• They are friendly and active 
• Compatible with many different types of fish
• Easy to look after

Cons:

• Due to their small size, they are at risk of being preyed upon by larger fish 

4. Swordtails

• Scientific Name: Xiphophorus helleri
• Adult Size: Up to 5.5 inches
• Compatible with: Mollies, guppies, platies
• Water Temperature: 70 to 82 °F
• Minimum tank size: 15 gallons
• Care Level: Easy

Swordtails are another great option for mollies’ tank mates as they are energetic and vivacious and don’t require any special maintenance. Being a very active species, they do require a larger tank to ensure comfort.

Swordtails are also known for their unique appearance, such as their long, thin sword-like tails and brightly colored bodies.

They are omnivores but it is essential to provide a significant level of plant-based nutrition in their diet for optimal development.

Pros: 

• Minimal maintenance 
• Easy-going attitude 
• Unique appearance

Cons: 

• Require a bigger tank (at least 15 gallons)

5. Zebra Danios

• Scientific Name: Cyprinidae
• Adult Size: 2 inches
• Compatible with: Mollies
• Water Temperature: 70-75 °F
• Minimum tank size: 5 gallons
• Care Level: Easy

Zebra danios are a small, very active species of fish that have an interesting white striped pattern on their backs—hence the resemblance to zebra stripes. They are very fast and love moving around and exploring the aquarium.

They are best kept in community aquariums and are pretty sociable, although they might sometimes bite at other fish’s fins. Make sure to keep a lookout for that!

Pros:

• Easy to care after
• Similar requirements as mollies
• Active and social

Cons:

• Can show aggression sometimes 
• Their active nature might disturb very peace-loving fish

6. Tetras

• Scientific Name: Characiformes
• Adult Size: 1.5 inches
• Compatible with: Mollies, other small community fish
• Water Temperature: 75-78 °F
• Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
• Care Level: Easy 

The most well-known species of tetras are Neon tetras, which have vibrant, shimmery colors such as metallic green, blue and red. Needless to say, these fish will add an eye-catching splash of color to your aquarium!

In general, Tetras are quite peaceful and prefer living in schools. They should ideally be provided a space with ample shade and water plants in the aquarium.

Pros:

• No major dietary requirements
• Compatible with mollies

Cons:

• Difficult to breed
• Some species can be aggressive

7. Angelfish

• Scientific Name: Pterophyllum 
• Adult Size: 2 inches
• Compatible with: Mollies, platies, dwarf gouramis
• Water Temperature: 78-84 °F
• Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
• Care Level: Easy

Known for their unique triangular bodies and arching fins, angelfish are some of the most easily identifiable species out there. They have similar care requirements as mollies although they do prefer a slightly warmer water temperature.

Although generally peaceful, angelfish can sometimes get slightly aggressive—especially over food and territory. They also require larger tanks (around 30 gallons) so make sure you can provide that.

Pros:

• Eye-catching and beautiful 
• Go well with mollies
• No specific maintenance required

Cons:

• Can be aggressive
• Need very large tanks

8. Dwarf Gouramis

• Scientific Name: Osphronemidae
• Adult Size: 2 inches
• Compatible with: Mollies, tetras, zebra danios
• Water Temperature: 75-80 °F
• Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
• Care Level: Moderate

Gouramis come in a variety of species ranging over many different sizes, but the ones most suitable to be kept with mollies are Dwarf gouramis. As the name suggests, these are small-sized freshwater fish with brightly colored bodies.

Gouramis get along well with mollies but can be aggressive at times. This is particularly true for the males of the species. 

Pros:

• Similar needs as mollies
• Vivid and attractive colors

Cons:

• Some types of gouramis can be quite aggressive

9. Minnows

• Scientific Name: Phoxinus phoxinus
• Adult Size: 4 inches
• Compatible with: Mollies, tetras, and other small fish
• Water Temperature: 64-72 °F 
• Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
• Care Level: Easy

Minnows are small, peace-loving fish that are sure to fit right in with mollies and most other peaceful species. Generally, minnows are dull gray but some breeds have brighter colors as well such as the White Cloud Mountain Minnow.

Due to their small size, minnows are at risk of being eaten by larger fish in the aquarium. Make sure to keep such fish separate in order to avoid any trouble.

Pros:

• Peaceful and unaggressive
• Great as tank mates for mollies

Cons:

• Might be attacked by larger fish due to their small size
• Prefer cooler water temperatures than other fish

10. Corydoras

• Scientific Name: Corydoras
• Adult Size: 2-3 inches
• Compatible with:  Mollies and other community fish
• Water Temperature: 72-82 °F
• Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
• Care Level: Easy

Corydoras are a type of catfish that are known for their peaceful nature and are very suitable as tank mates for mollies. 

Corydoras are bottom-dwellers, which means that they prefer to stay towards the bottom side of the tank and feed on any leftover food particles present there. Think of them as little helpers that keep the tank clean!

They are happiest when kept in small groups of 3-4 fish, and don’t require a lot of maintenance. 

Pros: 

• Gentle and peace-loving

Low-maintenance

Cons:

• Not very social

11. Ram Cichlids

• Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
• Adult Size: 3 inches
• Compatible with: Mollies, dwarf gourami
• Water Temperature: 72-82 °F
• Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
• Care Level: Moderate

Ram cichlids are one of the smaller species of cichlids, and are compatible with mollies given there is ample space in the tank. This is because cichlids can be quite territorial, and having a larger tank (at least 20 gallons) is important to avoid fights and aggression.

There are many different species of ram cichlids that have varying behavior; make sure to choose a relatively peaceful breed as a tank mate for your mollies.

Pros:

• Compatible with mollies

Cons:

• Some species can be particularly aggressive
• Need a bigger tank

12. Snails

• Scientific Name: Depends on the species
• Adult Size: 6 inches
• Compatible with: Most species
• Water Temperature: 75-86 °F
• Minimum tank size: 2 gallons
• Care Level: Easy

If you’re looking for something other than fish to add to your aquarium—snails are a pretty good option! First of all, they are simple and peaceful creatures who won’t bother the fish and can protect themselves from physical harm by retreating into their shell.

Secondly, there are plenty of snail species you can choose from according to your requirements. Snails feed on algae and food particles in the tank, and are overall pretty low-maintenance.

Pros:

• Peaceful
• No special requirements

Cons:

• No major cons

In a Nutshell

To sum up, the top qualities you should look for in a fish when choosing a tank mate for mollies are whether or not they are peaceful, social and friendly, and have similar needs and requirements as mollies. 

Some of the top tank mates for mollies include guppies, platies, endlers and swordtails. Each species comes with its pros and cons. so make sure to take those into account before making your decision.