Tank setup
Size the aquarium to Balloon Molly's adult size and activity level. Match décor to natural behaviour — plants, rockwork, or open swimming room as needed.
Where to buy
Compare prices from SA aquarium shops listing Balloon Molly.
Avg. price
R95
Community Marketplace
Fellow hobbyists may also be selling Balloon Molly.
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
The Balloon Molly is a selectively bred variant of the common molly, featuring a shortened, rounded body. This physical deformity gives them a unique, balloon-like appearance and a wobbly swimming style. They share the peaceful nature and hardiness of their ancestors but require care to ensure they are not outcompeted for food.
Key traits
peaceful
shoaling
community
small
easy
omnivore
Compatibility
Select a tank to see how this species fits.
Care guide
Everything you need to keep Balloon Molly healthy in a South African setup.
Water parameters
Keep pH 7.5–8.5 and 23–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers — acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Balloon Molly is an omnivore. Feed a varied diet appropriate for freshwater fish — quality flakes, pellets, or frozen foods sized to the mouth.
Behaviour
Balloon Molly is generally peaceful. Observe during feeding and at lights-out for true temperament.
Tankmates
Pair with similarly sized peaceful tankmates in freshwater fish. Avoid fin-nippers or species that outgrow this fish.
Breeding
Breeding notes for Balloon Molly vary by line and water chemistry — ask your local shop about proven pairs in SA.
Settling this fish in?
Condition the tap water, seed the filter, test through the first weeks — most early losses trace back to one of those.
3-PIECE KIT
Availability confirmed with the distributor before dispatch · free delivery over r750
Community photos
From hobbyists across SA.
Photo by FishHubAdmin
Market intelligence
Price trends and buyer demand — data only FishHub tracks.
Price history — last 90 days
SA price range this month: R55–55 · Average: R55
This data is unique to FishHub
Demand by province
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Often kept with
Real pairwise verdicts for Balloon Molly, not a same-category guess. Always confirm adult size and your tank's specifics before buying.
- Often kept together
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Osphronemus goramy
In a 1000L+ tank
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Corydoras julii
- Often kept together
Red-bellied Pacu
Piaractus brachypomus
In a 1500L+ tank
- Often kept together
Orange Sakura Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi var. 'Orange Sakura'
- Often kept together
Black Phantom Tetra
Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
- Often kept together
Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Lysmata amboinensis
- Often kept together
Thai Micro Crab
Limnopilos naiyanetri