Sailfin Molly
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A pair of "Platinum" Sailfin Mollies, male with large dorsal fin at left. Aaron Norman
Overview
The Sailfin Molly is larger and more robust than its short-finned relatives. Although the natural color form is quite lovely, with a nice greenish hue, this species has been commercially produced in a number of other color forms, including black, marbled and albino. Like the Black Molly, this fish is found in a number of habitats, ranging from freshwater to brackish and even saltwater.
Family: Poeciliidae
Other common name(s):
- Yucatan Molly
Native range:
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: 12 cm (5 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
The Sailfin Molly is 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.
Special Care
Sailfins benefit from the addition of some salt, which will not harm most other community fishes. Add 1/2 tsp. aquarium or sea salt per gallon. (Ordinary table salt, NaCl, is not a good substitute. Sea salt contains a complex array of elements.)
Breeding/Propagation
The Sailfin Mollies are 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
Must have lots of open swimming room or the male’s sailfin will not develop fully.
