Yucatan Sailfin Molly Care Guide
Poecilia velifera is the largest sailfin molly, a brackish-tolerant livebearer endemic to the Yucatan Peninsula that needs hard, alkaline water.
Overview
Poecilia velifera is a livebearing fish of the family Poeciliidae, described by Regan in 1914. It is the largest of the sailfin mollies, and mature males develop a tall, sail-like dorsal fin carrying 15 to 21 rays. The body is olive-green with brown longitudinal stripes and iridescent spots, with males showing the most elaborate coloration.
Taxonomy
- Family: Poeciliidae
- Genus: Poecilia
- Scientific name: Poecilia velifera
- Author: Regan, 1914
Habitat
The species is native to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, including the Yucatan-Quintana Roo and lower Usumacinta-Laguna de Terminos systems. It inhabits coastal lagoons, estuaries, salt marshes, mangrove swamps and freshwater cenotes, usually in shallow water under one metre deep. It tolerates a broad range of salinities, from fresh to salt water, but does best in alkaline, hard water.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- GH: 15-30 °dGH
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Adult size: 10-18 cm (FishBase max ~15 cm)
Diet
Poecilia velifera is an omnivore. In the wild it feeds largely on filamentous algae and diatoms, along with small crustaceans and insects. In the aquarium it accepts live, frozen and dried foods, and a significant portion of vegetable matter such as blanched spinach should be included to match its naturally herbivore-leaning diet.
Compatibility
The species is peaceful in a community setting but must be kept only with other fish that tolerate hard, alkaline water, such as swordtails and platies. Seriously Fish notes it should not be housed with other molly species because of the risk of crossbreeding. Males pursue females vigorously, so a ratio of about two females per male is recommended.
Breeding
The species is a livebearer that produces fully formed young. Gestation lasts roughly four to eight weeks at 25-30 °C; brood sizes typically range from about 20 to 60 fry, though much larger broods are recorded. The relatively large fry will accept brine shrimp nauplii and powdered foods from birth.
Conservation status
FishBase and the IUCN Red List assess Poecilia velifera as Vulnerable (assessed March 2018), reflecting habitat loss from urbanisation and coastal development across its restricted Yucatan range. It is protected under Mexican law.