Sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna)

Scientific name: Poecilia latipinna Lesueur, 1821

Sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna)

The Sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows to about 10 cm (3.9 in). In the aquarium it needs a tank of at least 76 L (20 US gal) and water at 20–28°C (68–82°F). Native range: North America, Cape Fear drainage in North Carolina, USA to Veracruz, Mexico.

Sailfin molly care at a glance

Adult size
10 cm (3.9 in)
Minimum tank
76 L (20 US gal)
Temperature
20–28°C (68–82°F)

Biology

The large sail-like dorsal fin of the male is the most distinctive characteristic of this fish; coloration can vary from green, gray to jet black; speckled forms also common.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Poecilia latipinna
Family
Poeciliidae (Poeciliids)
Order
Cyprinodontiformes (Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
15.0
Common length
3.4
Environment
Freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic; non-migratory; depth range 0 - ? m
Climate
Subtropical
Distribution
North America: Cape Fear drainage in North Carolina, USA to Veracruz, Mexico. Introduced to many countries. Several countries report adverse ecological impact after introduction. Gulf of Mexico.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Potential pest
Uses
Aquarium: highly commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tm

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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