Can Black Skirt Tetra and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) Live Together?

Black Skirt Tetra is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This modest difference means Black Skirt Tetra may occasionally assert dominance over Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian).

Black Skirt Tetra and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 12–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Black Skirt Tetra and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 90 litres with a minimum length of 60 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Established Algae (Otocinclus). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.