Sailfin Molly

Sailfin Molly is an American fish. It grows from 4 to 6 inches or 6 to 10 cms in its aquarium and up to 8 inches or 20 cms in its natural habitat. It is a very renowned fish because it is non-aggressive, inexpensive, hardy and can be easily bred. Life span of males is less than one year after they have achieved sexual maturity and in case of females also, life span is short, somewhat around 3 years. . Scientific names of Sailfin Molly are Poecilia latipinna and Poecilia velifera. You will know more about this fish in the account below.

Geographical Distribution

Sailfin Molly inhabits fresh, brackish, and coastal salt water in coastal lowland regions from North Carolina to Texas and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. This fish prefers to live in marshes, lowland streams, swamps, and estuaries. In peninsular Florida Sailfin Molly is very commonly found. In the western U.S., New Zealand and in Hawaii non-indigenous populations are established. This fish is also introduced to California.

Diet

Sailfin Molly is an omnivore. It eats all types of live, fresh and flake foods. At the same time this fish needs vegetarian diet. Include a lot of algae and other vegetation in its diet. Live or frozen brine shrimp, blood worms or tubifex are relished by it. It must be fed on vegetarian diet because it cannot survive on proteins.

Breeding

Fertilization in this fish is internal. It is a livebearer. Broods of 10-140 live young are produced by female Sailfin Molly. Sperms may be stored by females long after the short-lived males have died. 3-4 weeks is the approx. gestation period of this fish which depends upon temperature. A single female may give birth throughout the year but on multiple occasions. This fish does not exhibit any parental care.

Physical Description

Sailfin Molly is elongated, slightly compressed and has a huge dorsal fin. The original form of Sailfin Molly was olive green in color but gold and silver colored albino variations are result of selective breeding. It is named ‘Sailfin Molly’ because mature males have a spectacular dorsal fin. This dorsal fin has some colored specks and is translucent. These specks are a mixture of sparkling metallic blue and the base body colour of the Sailfin Molly.

Tank Set Up

Tank of Sailfin Molly should measure minimum of 24 inches or 60 cms. To the aquarium water of Sailfin Molly, it will be best if you add 1 to 1.25 teaspoons of non-iodized salt as this fish is found in saline waters. This fish is a delicate one and requires a large aquarium with ample space. Provide ample floating plants and planted ones in its tank. These will provide munching material and hiding places for this fish. Temperature it requires is 20-26 degree C or 68-78 degree F, pH required is 7.5-8.5 and water should be hard and alkaline.

Social Behavior

As far as its social behavior is concerned, Sailfin Molly is a good community fish.

This fish has undergone cross-breeding and is commercially developed for several years. Adult populations of Sailfin Molly tend to be largely female as it seems males suffer from higher rates of mortality due to a greater vulnerability to predators and disease. This mortality is a result of their brighter colours and a life devoted to frantic breeding. Ich, fungus and other diseases are caught by Sailfin Molly if it does not live in a comfortable environment. Take care of this fish properly and have a happy pet in your aquarium.