Can Dusky Millions Fish and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Dusky Millions Fish and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 75 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Dusky Millions Fish

Phalloceros caudimaculatus

Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)

Poecilia sphenops

🐟Family Group
Dusky Millions Fish
Livebearers
Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
Livebearers
Temperament
Dusky Millions Fish
Peaceful (2/10)
Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Dusky Millions Fish
16–24°C
Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Dusky Millions Fish
7–8
Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
7.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Dusky Millions Fish
8–20
Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
12–30
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Dusky Millions Fish
Brackish Tolerant
Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Dusky Millions Fish
Low
Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Dusky Millions Fish
40 L
Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
75 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Dusky Millions Fish
TopMiddle
Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Dusky Millions Fish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerPlant DestroyerFin Nipper
Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry PredatorAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Dusky Millions Fish and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Dusky Millions Fish
Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Dusky Millions Fish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This modest difference means Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) may occasionally assert dominance over Dusky Millions Fish.

Dusky Millions Fish and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) both frequent the Top (Surface) and 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.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Keep fin nippers in larger groups to distribute nipping behaviour among conspecifics rather than tank mates.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0°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 12–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Dusky Millions Fish and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 litres with a minimum length of 60 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

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

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Dusky Millions Fish is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)'s requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

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

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Dusky Millions Fish and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian).

Show 17 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dusky Millions Fish and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 75 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Dusky Millions Fish and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) need?

A minimum of 75 litres (tank length at least 60 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Dusky Millions Fish and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 24°C. A target of around 24.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Dusky Millions Fish or Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) aggressive?

Dusky Millions Fish is peaceful (2/10) and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) is generally mild-mannered (3/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Dusky Millions Fish and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) need?

Both species overlap in the 7.5–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Dusky Millions Fish nip Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)'s fins?

Dusky Millions Fish is a known fin nipper. If Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Dusky Millions Fish in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.


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