SPRINGS FIELD GUIDE
sailfin molly
FISH PROFILE
COMMON NAME
Sailfin Molly
Scientific name
Poecilia latipinna
FAMILY
Poeciliidae
LENGTH
Up to 15 centimeters
DIET
Algae, crustaceans, and insects
FISH PROFILE
COMMON NAME
Sailfin Molly
Scientific name
Poecilia latipinna
FAMILY
Poeciliidae
LENGTH
Up to 15 centimeters
DIET
Algae, crustaceans, and insects
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The sailfin molly is most easily recognized by the large sail-like fin on the upper body or back of male fish. Primarily light grey, they can also range to green-blue in coloration and may exhibit speckles. They are most often around 3 centimeters in length but can reach a maximum of 10-15 centimeters.
RANGE, HABITAT, and BEHAVIOR
The sailfin molly is a subtropical fish, found along the North American coast from North Carolina to Mexico. They are commonly found in still or slow-moving freshwater habitats such as springs, streams, creeks, ponds, but can also inhabit the Gulf of Mexico. Although algae are their main source of food, the sailfin molly may also consume crustaceans and insects.
FUN FACTS
The sailfin molly has been introduced to many parts of the United States and other countries around the world for both mosquito control and aquariums. Although they have a relatively short lifespan (males may live only one year after sexual maturation), they reproduce quickly and are tolerant of many environments, including hypoxic conditions where oxygen content is very low.