Difference Between Mollies And Platies

[ten_roses]

What is the difference between mollies and platies?
Are they just shaped slightly differently?
 
I was thinking of getting some of both for the same tank but now I don't think I will because they will all look the same anyway!

 

[Ny82]

They do look similar. Platies are shorter and rounder. Mollies are longer with what I call a flat shovel head lol. Mollies can grow very big (4 inches long) in a proper sized tank which allows them to and I find them territorial and aggressive towards others. The display tank at LFS has sailfin mollies which are easily 4-5 inches long and very stocky. The males bicker over females just like guppies.
Platies are very much community fish. I haven't had any problems with aggression with them.

 

[ten_roses]

Thanks! I think I might just get platies

 

[Ny82]

You're welcome

The reason why platies are so popular is because they don't get as big as mollies, they aren't aggressive and the vast array of colours and patterns! Make sure you get at least 2 females to each male as they are very persistent! Have you had platies before? When you first get them, they will be shy and probably just hide and get used to everything before they start exploring so don't be alarmed. 

 

[ten_roses]

Yip I have had them before but now I am just setting up a bigger breeding tank for them.

 

[the_lock_man]

So long as you have somewhere reliable to move the fry to.