Overview
- The Sailfin Molly (Poecilia latipinna) is a large molly. Males have a tall, sail-like dorsal fin.
- Native to the southern United States and Mexico, from the Carolinas to Veracruz, often in coastal and brackish waters. [UNVERIFIED] Brackish detail.
- Grows to about 5 in (12.5 cm) standard length.
- Bred in many colors and often crossed with other mollies.
Feeding
- Wild fish are almost entirely herbivorous.
- Accepts most foods, but plant-based flakes and algae should be a big part of the diet.
Habitat
- A tank with a base of 30 × 15 in (76 × 38 cm).
- Densely planted with open swimming space. It may eat soft-leaved plants.
- Hard water: 70–79°F (21–26°C), pH 7.0–8.5, GH 15–35.
Fish Care
- Needs hard, alkaline water.
Compatibility
- Good in hard-water communities with other livebearers and some catfish.
- May pick on smaller fish as it matures.
Aquarium Behavior
- Males can be aggressive toward each other, especially when spawning.
Breeding
- Easy. A livebearer.
- Keep trios of 2 females per male.
- Gestation is a little longer than for some livebearers.