Poecilia latipinna

Common Names:

Sailfin Molly

Synonyms:

Limia matamorensis
Limia poecioides
Mollienesia latipinna
Mollienisia latipinna
Poecilia latipinna
Poecilia lineolata
Poecilia multilineata

Family:

Poeciliidae

Category:

Livebearers

Distribution:

Pacific - North; North America - North Carolina down to Yucatan, Mexico.

Main Ecosystem:

Delta; Delta

Temperament:

Peaceful; Usually very peaceful, but will on rare occasions nip fins an may also harass females if ratio is unbalanced.

Diet:

Ominvore; Ominvore

Care:

Feed with flake and pellets. Will also eat some algae off tank glass and decorations. Not hard to care for. Does not require a heater in tank. Adults should ideally be in brackish water. These fish are healthier thoughout their lives if kept in brackish conditions. Very hardy fish.

pH:

6 - 9

Temperature:

18°C - 30°C

64°F - 86°F

Hardness:

1 dH - 25 dH

Potential Size:

Male: 15cm (5.9")
Female: 15cm (5.9")

Water Region:

All; All

Activity:

Diurnal; Diurnal

Gender:

Males have a modified anal fin (gonopodium) and large sails on their backs. Males also reach a much larger size, as females rarely exceed 10cm.

Breeding:

Easily accomplished, whether the keeper intends it or not. Females store sperm for and thus can have multiple sets of offspring with no male present. The ideal ratio for breeding is three females to one male, as the male may harass females if there are not enough. Salt helps in prompting quick breeding.

Variants:

Dalmatian Molly (silver or white base with irregular black spotting), Jet Black Molly or Midnight Molly (same shape and size as a sailfin, but solid jet black coloring), Standard Sailfin (can come in a wide range of colors of grey, orange, red, yellow, violet, and some times various combinations). Markings on the Standard Sailfin Molly may include various spotting or striping( iridescent, black, or any of the previously listed colors). Other morphs or variations may be present through hybridization of the Yucatan Sailfin Molly and various other Molly species.

Comments:

This fish is very similar to the Mexican Sailfin Molly, Poecilia velifera. The major difference lies in this fishes ability to cope with a wider range of water conditions and the size of the females. P. velifera females regularly reach 18 cm, while P. latipinna females rarely reach 10 cm. This fish comes in many color and body morphs, although the non-balloon, non-lyretail, non-ornamental colored fish seem to be much hardier. This fish is also very popular for cycling tanks as well, as it c

Main Colours:

Markings:

Not Specified

Mouth:

Upturned

Tail:

Convex

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Image Credit:

;AggieMarine

Submitted By:

AggieMarine

Contributors:

brandeeno

History:

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