All fish / Poeciliidae

Sailfin Molly

Poecilia latipinna

Also known as sailfin molly, sail fin molly, dalmatian molly, gold dust molly, marble molly, lyretail molly, balloon molly, white sailfin molly, green sailfin molly, molly, ปลาสอดเรือใบ, ปลาโมลี่

A livebearer with a deep body and, in mature males, a huge sail-like dorsal fin that is flared during display. Wild fish are olive-silver with rows of dark spots, but the trade offers black, white, gold, dalmatian and marbled strains. It is kept for its striking males, lively behaviour and habit of grazing algae.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

7.5 to 8.5

Smallest tank

120 litres

Keep as

Group of 5 or more, with more females than males

Diet

Omnivore: algae, spirulina and vegetable flakes, plus brine shrimp and bloodworm

Swims

Top of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Brackish

Wild range

Southeastern USA (North Carolina to Texas) and northeastern Mexico coastal waters

Breeding

Females give birth to live young roughly every four weeks after internal fertilisation, so breeding is very easy. Fry are large and can eat crushed flake straight away, though adults may eat them unless cover or a breeding box is provided.

Good to know

Does best in hard, alkaline water with a little salt and is prone to shimmies and fungus in soft water. Males need plenty of space to develop full sails, and it is invasive outside its native range.