Sailfin Molly
Poecilia latipinna
Sailfin Molly (Poecilia latipinna) is a freshwater and brackish-water species with an adult-size reference of about 12 cm. It needs at least 120 litres and 4 individuals, with its social and territorial profile taken into account.
Temperatura da água
20 - 28 °C
Valor de pH
7.5 - 8.5
Tipo de água
Água doce / Água salobra
Nível do tanque
Todos os níveis
Tamanho adulto
12 cm
Volume mínimo do tanque
>= 120 L
Grupo mínimo
>= 4
GH
15 - 35 dGH
KH
7 - 17 dKH
TDS
295 - 695 ppm
Condutividade
461 - 1.086 uS/cm
Descrição da espécie
Geographical Origin and Habitat: A freshwater and brackish-water species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Taxonomy and Morphology: The accepted scientific name is Poecilia latipinna; the verified classification records genus Poecilia, family Poeciliidae, subfamily Poeciliinae, order Cyprinodontiformes. Historical names remain searchable as synonyms rather than separate species.
Social Behavior: Sailfin Molly should be kept with more females than males so courtship pressure is distributed. The minimum reference is 4 individuals; sex, maturity and available space can require a more conservative composition. Observe access to food, resting behaviour, chasing and use of shelter. Isolation, persistent competition or aggression means the number, composition or environment needs to be corrected.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Colour and shape can vary with age, sex, physiological state and environmental conditions. Identification and sexing require recognized species-level characters; one appearance or photograph is not enough.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
Aquarium Setup: Sailfin Molly needs an aquarium of at least 120 litres, sized for adult body size and a minimum group of 4 individuals. Filtration, shelter and swimming room must match the species and the actual number kept. Volume alone does not make an enclosure suitable: tank shape and length, usable area, oxygenation and the ability to separate territories must reflect adult behaviour.
Diet and Feeding: The recorded diet is omnivorous. Offer appropriately sized foods varied within that category, and adjust quantity and frequency from actual intake, body condition and leftovers. One food or a fixed schedule is not suitable for every age and situation.
Water Quality: Maintain stable, well-oxygenated water appropriate to a freshwater and brackish-water species; the card's reference values are 20–28 °C, pH 7.5–8.5. Verify conditions with reliable tests and size maintenance and filtration to the actual load. Ranges are not automatic thresholds for treatment or rapid chemical correction.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: The cohabitation profile is suitable for a compatible community, with a generally peaceful temperament. Keep at least 4 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
Aquarium Breeding: The recorded reproductive profile is “viviparity”. Breeding should be attempted only with healthy adults, separation capacity and a plan for eggs or young. Do not treat unverified triggers, sex ratios or hatch times as universal for this species.
Risks and Diseases: Prevent problems through quarantine of new arrivals, stable water, appropriate feeding and daily observation. Similar signs can have different causes, so check parameters, history and diagnosis before medication. Follow the product label and qualified aquatic-veterinary advice; there is no universal reduced dose for a species or family.
Origem e distribuição geográfica
A freshwater and brackish-water species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Origem
América Central e CaribeAmérica do Norte
Perfil de peixe
- Temperamento
- Peaceful
- Sailfin Molly has a generally peaceful temperament. Insufficient space, an unsuitable social ratio or incompatible tankmates can substantially change observed behaviour.
- Dieta
- Omnivore
- They are primarily herbivorous in the wild, constantly grazing on algae and detritus. In the aquarium, they need a diet heavy in vegetable matter, such as spirulina flakes or algae wafers. They will also greedily consume meaty foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp, but this should be supplementary. A lack of greens in their diet can lead to digestive issues.
- Expectativa de vida
- 3-5 years
- Tamanho adulto
- 12 cm
- Proporção sexual
- Specific M:F ratio
- Sailfin Molly should be kept with more females than males so courtship pressure is distributed. The reference minimum is 4 individuals and must not be read as permission to overcrowd the aquarium.
- Frequência de alimentação
- 2-3 times daily
- Feeding them small amounts two to three times a day is ideal for their active metabolism. They are enthusiastic eaters that will actively beg for food at the surface. Providing fresh blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini is highly beneficial. Consistent, varied feeding ensures vibrant colors and healthy growth.
- Carga biológica
- Medium to High
- Poecilia latipinna produces a moderate to high bioload compared to other livebearers. They are voracious eaters with a fast metabolism, leading to a significant amount of waste. Strong biological and mechanical filtration is necessary to keep water parameters stable. Frequent water changes are highly recommended to prevent nitrate buildup, which they are sensitive to.
- Fluxo
- Strong
- They appreciate a moderate water flow that provides excellent oxygenation and simulates natural river currents. Good flow also helps keep the aquarium free of stagnant areas. While they enjoy swimming in the current, ensure there are calmer resting areas available. Excessive flow that pins them against the glass should be avoided.
- Risco de salto
- No
- Reprodução
- Viviparous
- They are incredibly prolific livebearers that will breed constantly without any special intervention. Females can store sperm for months, producing multiple batches of fry from a single mating. The fry are born relatively large and will be eaten by the parents and tankmates if cover is not provided. Dense planting, particularly floating plants, ensures a high survival rate.
- Compatibilidade e companheiros de tanque
- Community
- The cohabitation profile is suitable for a compatible community, with a generally peaceful temperament. Keep at least 4 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
- Nível do tanque
- All levels
- They are highly active fish that utilize the mid-to-top levels of the water column. They are constantly on the move, exploring the tank and grazing on surfaces. They require plenty of open swimming space to accommodate their energetic nature. Floating plants are appreciated as they provide cover and grazing opportunities.
Modelos e parâmetros científicos
FishBase
Acesso aos dados científicos oficiais da espécie
FishBase v25.04Dados sincronizados em: 15/06/2026
- Nível trófico
- 2 ± 0 se
- Resiliência
- Alta (menos de 15 meses)
- Unicidade filogenética (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relação bayesiana comprimento-peso
- a = 0.01288, b = 3.05
- VulnerabilidadeVulnerabilidade baixa (10 / 100)
Galeria de imagens
Imagens licenciadas vinculadas à espécie ou, quando marcadas, ao táxon representativo mais próximo.
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