Page 171 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

LIVEBEARERS/MOLLIES 169

Poecilia velifera
Sailfin Molly

ORIGINS Central America, restricted to the Yucatán
Peninsula of Mexico.
SIZE 7 in (18 cm). Spotted Silver Molly This variant
DIET Prepared foods and small live foods. displays black spots on its silvery
WATER Temperature 73–82°F (23–28°C); hard body. The distribution of the spots is
(100–150 mg/l) and alkaline (pH 7.5). entirely random, allowing individuals
TEMPERAMENT Generally social. to be distinguished by their appearance.
The Sailfin Molly has a long, tall dorsal fin that their offspring can vary greatly, because of
runs almost the entire length of the fish’s back. crossings involving the Pacific Mexican Molly
Sailfin Mollies have been used extensively in the (see opposite) and the other sailfin form, P.
development of today’s domesticated variants, latipinna, which has a shorter, less impressive
which exist in a wide range of colors. These dorsal fin. Like other mollies, Sailfins will live
relatively large mollies must be kept under good in groups, but it is important to house several
water conditions; if conditions are less than ideal, males together; if there are just two, the weaker
they display their unhappiness by rocking gently individual will inevitably be bullied.
back and forth in the same spot—a behavior
known as shimmying. Wild Sailfin Mollies usually Darker markings Height and shape
require a brackish environment, and this may also present on of dorsal fin varies
be of benefit to their domesticated relatives. the fins
When acquiring these fish, always check whether
they have been kept in brackish water previously
so that you can adjust the conditions in their tank
accordingly to ensure a trouble-free period of
acclimatization. Female Sailfin Mollies may
produce a brood of more than 100 fry as regularly
as every six weeks. The height of the dorsal fin in

Marmalade Molly (below) These mollies are a Green Molly (above) This variety is easily distinguished Lyre-Tailed Black Balloon Molly These fish have a
vibrant orange, with some individuals resembling by its pale, greenish body color and the lines of darker compact, rounded body shape and sometimes encounter
platies (see p.162) in their depth of coloration. dots running along its sides. difficulty in swimming as a consequence.
Black coloration Body surface
highlights size is reflective
and shape of
dorsal fin
Rounded
caudal fin Upturned
mouth

Golden coloration
may vary in intensity
Goldfin Metallic Marble Sailfin Sometimes called the
Starburst Molly, the black areas on this variety are mainly
restricted to the dorsal and caudal fins.
Marbling is
consistent
throughout
the fish’s life

Brown Marble Sailfin Molly This individual is heavily
marbled, although there is little pigmentation on the
outer parts of the dorsal and caudal fins.

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