Food diversity and feeding preference of Black Molly (Poecilla sphenops (Valenciennes, 1846)), a common ornamental fish - A preliminary study

Black mollies are one of the most popular ornamental fishes in the aquarium hobby. Most People have had at one time at least one of these gentle and attractive fishes in their fish tank. They are one of the most popular feeder fishes due to high growth rate, birth size, reproduction and brood number. During fish development, supply of suitable food during culture period is the most vital factor to achieve good growth ratio. Present study aims at unfolding the feeding preference of Black Molly for which eggs of Pomfret, Carp and Tenualosa sp. and semolina and poppy seeds were provided as food of animal and plant sources respectively. It was observed that food with more protein contents (i.e. food from animal sources) were mostly preferred by Black Molly. It is concluded that food from animal sources could be beneficial to get good growth and survival of Black Molly.