The sailfin molly is so named because of the spectacular dorsal fin on the mature male.
This fin is translucent with coloured specks. The specks are a combination of iridescent metallic blue and the base body colour of the molly.
Originally the sailfin molly was olive green but selective breeding has produced gold and silver coloured albino variations.
Cross breeding with other molly species has created further sailfin molly variations. black, dalmatian, chocolate, and combinations of all the above mentioned colours are available.
Like other molly varieties, sailfin mollies should be fed on a diet of
spirulina
or other green food. The addition of some
tropical
flake food will ensure a well rounded diet.
Sailfin mollies thrive in a saline environment. For the freshwater aquarium some salt must be added to maintain the best condition. Where only a small amount of salt can be used the water should be hardened with
calcium carbonate where possible.
Generally the more salt the better. After acclimatisation sailfin molly will prosper in a marine aquarium. This makes them a useful fish to help mature a marine aquarium.
Family - Poeciliidae Size -Up to 15 cm
Fish Origin - Coastal creek zones and estuaries of Central America
Water - Add at least 1 teaspoon of salt per 3 liters of water
Temperature - 23-28°C
Feeding - Green food based diet with some protein food
Sexing - Male develops large fin and displays gonopodium
Breeding - Livebearers
Aquarium -Needs large tank and other mollies or Poeciliidae to school with
The video above shows a male silver sailfin molly living with it's matching partner.
