Mexican Sailfin Molly
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
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Overview
This fish is found in a number of habitats, ranging from freshwater to brackish and even saltwater.
Family: Poeciliidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
- Cape Fear, NC
- Veracruz
- Gulf of Mexico
Habitat: The tank should be well-lit and well-planted on the sides and back with plants that can withstand a small amount of salt (Java fern, Java moss).
Maximum length: 17.8 cm (7 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 152 L (40 gal)
Water: Freshwater 22 °C (72 °F) - 26 °C (79 °F)
General swimming level: Midwater to top
Feeding
Omnivore. Provide a vegetable-rich diet, including Spirulina-based flakes, algae wafers and herbivore foods. Also offer frozen, freeze-dried or live meaty foods, such as bloodworms and brine shrimp.
Aquarium Compatibility
A peaceful fish that will do well when kept in a group of one male to several females in a community setting with other, slightly larger, peaceful fishes.
Breeding/Propagation
Livebearers that are somewhat more demanding to breed in the aquarium than other livebearers. Females that are not handled properly will drop premature babies.
Notes
Sailfins benefit from the addition of some salt, which will not harm most other community fishes. Must have lots of open swimming room or the male’s sailfin will not develop fully.