Sailfin Molly
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A pair of "Platinum" Sailfin Mollies, male with large dorsal fin at left. Aaron Norman
[edit] 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 (295 K, 72 °F) - 26 °C (299 K, 79 °F)
General swimming level: Midwater to top.
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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.)
[edit] 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.
[edit] Notes
Must have lots of open swimming room or the male’s sailfin will not develop fully.
| Common name | Sailfin Molly +, and Yucatan Molly + |
| Family | Poeciliidae + |
| Genus | Poecilia + |
| Image credit | AN + |
| Maximum length | 5 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 40 gal + |
| Native range | Central America +, and Mexico + |
| Reference | 101 Best Tropical Fishes + |
| Specific name | velifera + |
| Swimming level | Midwater to top. + |
| Text credit | KW + |
| Water max temp | 299 K (26 °C, 79 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 295 K (22 °C, 72 °F) + |
| Water type | Freshwater + |








