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Sailfin Molly
Poecilia latipinna
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii
Variety of Molly · sailfin
📍 Central America
A natural species variant or cultivated form of Poecilia latipinna selected for the dramatically enlarged dorsal fin of males, which can span nearly the full height of the fish and is raised in impressive courtship displays. It benefits from a tall tank of at least 30 gallons, hard alkaline water, and algae supplementation in the diet.
Care Guide
Diet
Sailfin mollies are omnivorous and require a varied diet including high-quality flake foods, sinking pellets, and regular algae supplementation such as spirulina flakes or algae wafers. Feed small amounts once daily, supplementing with blanched vegetables like zucchini and spinach weekly. Include occasional frozen foods like brine shrimp or daphnia to maintain color and fin development.
Behavior
Sailfin mollies are peaceful, active swimmers that spend most of their time in mid-water zones. Males are highly territorial and will frequently display their impressive dorsal fins in courtship and dominance displays, particularly toward other males. They are social fish that do best in groups of 3 or more, reducing aggression and stress.
Breeding
Sailfin mollies are prolific livebearers that breed readily in captivity with minimal intervention. Females produce 20-100 fry every 4-6 weeks once mature; provide dense vegetation or breeding boxes to protect fry from predation by adults. Breeding is easy but population control is necessary to prevent overstocking.
Tank Mates
Similar peaceful temperament and water requirements; males may compete for display space but generally compatible
Closely related livebearers with identical water parameter needs and peaceful behavior
Peaceful schooling fish that occupy different water zones and prefer similar water conditions
Algae-eating snail that complements the molly's diet preferences and won't compete for food
Peaceful algae eater that occupies bottom zone; helps maintain water quality in established tanks
Common Diseases
Fin Rot
Frayed, disintegrating fins; white or black edges on fin tissue; lethargy
Perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days, improve water quality, treat with aquarium salt (1 tsp per gallon) or antibacterial medication if severe
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins; excessive scratching against objects; rapid breathing
Raise temperature to 82°F, treat with ich medication following label directions, perform daily water changes, ensure good aeration
Velvet Disease
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body; clamped fins; lethargy; rapid gill movement
Darken tank, raise temperature to 80-82°F, treat with copper-free velvet medication, perform daily 25% water changes
Constipation
Bloated appearance; loss of appetite; reduced activity; feces trailing from vent
Feed blanched vegetables like peas (remove skin) for 2-3 days, reduce feeding frequency, ensure adequate fiber in diet
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Varieties
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Water it likes
- ph
- 7.0–8.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- temperature
- 70–82°F (21–28°C)