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Well, I've finally made a decision - my male Dalmation Molly is going to have to go back to my lfs.... Breaks my heart but in the best interest of the community he must go....
When first introduced into my 55 gal aquarium, he was quite randy! Going after all the females - flaring his magnificent high fin - showing off for the ladies - and trying to mate - but not harming his tank mates... But recently, not only has his libido remained high but his aggression towards all fish has increased to the point where he is actually injuring other fish! Charges and attacks! I didn't realize that this species could become this aggressive! Have had other mollies before and they were quite peaceful fish...
My main objective in writing is to ask if female Dalmation Mollies become aggressive.... I currently have 2 females along with the male... I find these fish quite beautiful but really can't tolerate violence - especially when it does harm to my other fish!


[span class="edited"][Edited by dreamweaver8891 2004-07-10 10:33][/span]

To thine own self be true...

When I first bought my dalmation sailfin mollies (male), one was very aggressive charging all other occupants of the tank. He almost didn't survive his first full day in the tank I was that ready to take him out no matter how beautiful. After a day or so, he did settle down. He and the other male will occasionally flare fins but no one has ever gotten hurt.

I've never had much success with female mollies but from what I have observed they are much more peaceful. My female tends to do her own thing and hang more with the platties.

I think you've made the right decision to return him if he's causing harm to others. The only other thing I could suggest would be to add an additional female to keep his attention but I don't know if that's an option for you plus there's no guarantee this would solve the problem.

Well, my male Dalmation Molly has now been returned - and at first, that seemed to bring peace to the tank once again... Imagine my horror when late last night I gazed upon my beautiful aquarium and saw my silver female mollies engaged in battle with the dalmation females! And the word "battle" fits! Quite intense! I broke the fight up by "swishing" the fish net in the tank... then stayed up for awhile to make sure everything would go okay -- Except for a couple of small skirmishes, the mollies have seemed to settle down again.... Sure hope the truce lasts!
One question I do have is, can mollies distinguish their differences? I found it highly unbelieveable - but the alliances were quite defined - my 3 silver mollies were fighting my 2 dalmations - and yes, all 5 fish were fighting at the same time in the same area!!!!! Is this just a freak coincidence or can they tell the differences in their own species? (Maybe I'm stupid, but since mollies can interbreed - I didn't figure they'd notice?!?!?)

To thine own self be true...

I feel your pain!!! ]

I have a psychotic black molly, Paris, who beats the crap out of anyone else in the tank. At first, I thought it was because she was pregnant. So we put her in the little breeding net and she tried to attack other fish -- thru the net!!!

She just had her fry last week and all 20 of them looked very healthy. The next day, she'd eaten half of her fry. Some mother, huh...ha ha ha.

We tried to let her out of the breeding net to munch on some algae, but no luck -- she still tried to beat up everyone. ]

Needless to say, we're just a bit upset about the molly's behavior. I'm scared to get more mollies, but I refuse to let this ONE mean fish have her own tank...

Good luck with the Battle of the Mollies in your tank!! I'll keep you posted on Paris, my psycho black molly.

Emily

I also have a female molly that chases everything in the tank that I put with her.

Update.... The fighting between silver mollies and dalmation mollies have subsided, however the Dalmation Female Mollies still remain the most agressive females in the tank! Their fighting/charging/fin nipping is infrequent, but still occurs - and they don't seem to fear any other fish in the community - including my Angels! While I do find the Dalmation Mollies quite beautiful, I don't believe I will be purchasing any more....

To thine own self be true...