Can jack dempseys live with mollies?
Verdict
No
No. Jack dempseys and mollies should not share a tank. An adult jack dempsey eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 4 inches mollies do.
What to watch
- Deal breakerAn adult jack dempsey eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 4 inches mollies do.
- Deal breakerJack dempseys are aggressive and will bully peaceful mollies.
- Watch outWater chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.5.
What works
- Both are fine at 72–82°F.
- They use different parts of the tank: jack dempseys the mid, mollies the top.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Jack Dempsey | Molly | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–86 °F | 72–82 °F |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 | 7.5–8.5 |
| Adult size | 10.0 in | 4.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 55 gal | 20 gal |
| Temperament | Aggressive | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Middle | Top |
| Group | Alone or in pairs | Groups of 3+ |
| Diet | Carnivore | Omnivore |
Better tank mates for jack dempseys
Better tank mates for mollies
Questions
Can jack dempseys live with mollies?
No. Jack dempseys and mollies should not share a tank. An adult jack dempsey eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 4 inches mollies do.
What temperature suits both jack dempseys and mollies?
72–82 °F. Jack dempseys need 72–86 °F, mollies need 72–82 °F.
What size tank do jack dempseys and mollies need together?
At least 55 gal, set by the jack dempsey. Add space for each extra fish.