Scientific Classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Actinopterygii
Order:Cyprinodontiformes
Family:Poeciliidae
Genus:Poecilia
Species:velifera
IUCN Status:Data Deficient
Quick Stats
Difficulty
Medium
Environment
Brackish
Temperature
22°C - 28°C
pH Level
7.5 - 8.5
Water Hardness
180 - 540 ppm
Lifespan
5 years
Origin
Mexico
Adult Size
18 - 18 cm
Diet
Omnivore
Creature Type
Fish
TDS
400 ppm
Water Flow
Low Flow
About This Species
The Sailfin Molly, also known as the Yucatan Molly, is a stunning and active fish, famous for the male's enormous, fan-like dorsal fin which it displays to impress females. These are not small fish and can grow quite large, so they require a spacious aquarium from the outset—do not plan on keeping them in a small tank. They are constantly on the move, exploring the top and middle levels of the tank with impressive speed. While they are generally peaceful, males can be territorial with each other, so it's best to keep one male with several females to prevent stress and fighting. They are not demanding eaters and will accept a wide variety of foods, but they have a particular need for vegetable matter in their diet, and will enjoy grazing on any algae in the tank. To keep them healthy, they need warm water that is hard and alkaline. They feel their best when a small amount of aquarium salt is added to create slightly brackish conditions, which mimics their natural home in Mexico. Because they are active and eat a lot, they produce a fair amount of waste, so a good filter and regular water changes are essential to keep their home clean and healthy.
Aquarium Building Information
Minimum Tank Size
120L
Swimming Zone
top, middle
Minimum School Size
3+
Special Requirements
Oxygen Consumption
High
Waste Production
High
Feeding Frequency
Daily
Metabolism Rate
High
Activity Level
Active
Food Types
Flakes, Pellets, Frozen Food, Live Food, Vegetables, Algae, Wafers
Generate Printable Card
Create a printable card for this creature to display in your store or aquarium. The card includes a QR code for quick access to more information.