Next working day delivery with Royal Mail Tracked 24
Fish Profiles | Sailfin Molly
Fish Profiles | Sailfin Molly
Sailfin mollies get their name from their impressive dorsal fins, which resemble the sail of a boat. These large, fan-like fins are particularly prominent in males and can be raised or lowered depending on their mood or social interactions. The "sail" in sailfin mollies reflects this distinctive and eye-catching feature. It's one of the traits that make these fish so appealing to aquarium enthusiasts
Sailfin mollies (Poecilia latipinna) are fascinating little fish that are popular in the aquarium trade. Native to freshwater and brackish habitats in the southeastern United States and parts of Central America, these fish are known for their distinctive dorsal fins that resemble a sail. Here are some interesting details about them:
Appearance: Sailfin mollies are characterized by their large, fan-like dorsal fins, especially prominent in males. They come in various colors, including shades of black, silver, and gold. The males are usually more colorful than the females.
Size: They typically grow to about 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) in length, with males generally being smaller than females.
Habitat: In the wild, sailfin mollies are found in a range of environments from freshwater streams and ponds to brackish coastal waters. They thrive in warm water with temperatures between 72-82°F (22-28°C).
Behavior: These fish are generally peaceful and can be kept in community tanks with other non-aggressive species. However, males can be territorial, especially when competing for the attention of females.
Diet: Sailfin mollies are omnivores. In the wild, they feed on algae, plant matter, and small invertebrates. In an aquarium they do well on a diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods.
Breeding: They are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Females can have several broods of fry after a single mating due to their ability to store sperm.
To browse our range of tropical fish food granules please click here.
To browse our range of aquariums suitable for molly fish please click here.
Photo credit(s): Main: Sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna) in a fish tank with blurred background by Joan Carles Juarez / Shutterstock. Insert: Sailfin Molly, poecilia velifera, Aquarium Fishes by slowmotiongli / Getty Images.
