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💧 Freshwater Data Deficient 🍽️ Edible 🐠 Aquarium 🌡️ Tropical

Dwarf molly

Poecilia chica Miller, 1975
Max Length
3 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
2.7
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
23.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

Dwarf molly (Poecilia chica), first described by Miller, 1975 is a tiny fish in the family Poeciliidae (order Cyprinodontiformes). Adults typically reach 3.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Data Deficient.The species is important as a food fish and kept in the aquarium hobby. As a member of the Poeciliidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.

Scientific Name
Poecilia chica
Authority
Miller, 1975
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
DD
Max Length
3 cm
Trophic Level
2.7
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
23.00/100
Migration
Non-migratory
Water Temp
23–26 °C
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Dwarf molly is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Dwarf molly is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Viviparous 🤰 Viviparous
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
Internal

After 30 days gestation, female gives birth to 30-50 young. Sexual maturity is reached after four months.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 6.5 - 7.5; dH range: 10 - 20; non-migratory . Tropical; 23°C - 26°C North America: Jalisco, Mexico.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Migration
Non-migratory
Trophic Level
2.7±0.3

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00851 × L3.15 (TL)
Max TL
3cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
23–26°C
pH Range
6.5–7.5
Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Data Deficient
Assessment Date
2018

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
23.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
2.7
Omnivore / Planktivore
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Miller, 1975

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Dwarf molly is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
  • Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
  • Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
  • Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
  • Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

⚡ Nutrition

Detailed nutritional data for Dwarf molly is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Dwarf molly has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

🔬 Full Nutritional Profile

Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)

Proximate Composition
Energy125 kcal
Moisture75 %
Protein20 %
Total Fat4 %
Ash1.3 %
Fatty Acids (g)
Saturated Fat1 g
Monounsaturated Fat1.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat1.5 g
Omega-3 Total1 g
EPA0.3 g
DHA0.5 g
Omega-6 Total0.3 g
Key Minerals & Vitamins
Calcium20 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Magnesium30 mg
Phosphorus220 mg
Potassium380 mg
Sodium55 mg
Zinc0.5 mg
Selenium32 µg
Vitamin B122 µg

📊 Population Dynamics

Year Region Index Notes
- - -

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

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