Sailfin Molly care guide
Sailfin Molly (Poecilia latipinna) — minimum tank 120 L, temperature 22-28 °C, pH 7.5-8.5.
Overview
The Sailfin Molly (Poecilia latipinna) is a large livebearer native to coastal areas of the south-eastern United States and north-eastern Mexico. Mature males display a dramatically enlarged dorsal fin that resembles a sail.
Taxonomy
- Family: Poeciliidae
- Genus: Poecilia
- Scientific name: Poecilia latipinna
Habitat
Inhabits coastal salt marshes, brackish lagoons, slow freshwater streams and ditches from North Carolina south to the Yucatán Peninsula. The species tolerates a wide salinity range and can be kept in fresh, brackish or even marine conditions.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 120 L (31.7 US gal)
- Adult size: 8-15 cm
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- GH: 15-30 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
An omnivore with a strong algivorous component. Offer a vegetable-rich diet of flakes or pellets, blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini) and occasional live or frozen invertebrates.
Compatibility
A peaceful community species. Hard, slightly alkaline or lightly brackish water improves long-term health. Keep one male with two or more females. Compatible with other livebearers and brackish-tolerant peaceful species.
Breeding
A livebearer. Broods of 10-140 fry are produced every four to six weeks. The species can interbreed with other Poecilia.