Species profile
Sailfin Molly
Poecilia latipinna
Peaceful
Moderate care
200 L minimum aquarium
8–15 cm adult size
Top mid
Minimum group: 3
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Large livebearer with a strong affinity for hard, alkaline and often coastal/brackish habitats. Males develop the characteristic tall sail-like dorsal fin.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
23–28 °C
pH
7–8.5
GH
10–30 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 3
Tank zone
Top mid
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Fry
Bioload factor
1.4
Social livebearer. Keep more females than males to spread persistent courtship; adults readily eat newborn fry.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
200 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 45 cm
Accepted scientific name
Poecilia latipinna
Alternative names
Sailfin Molly, Sail-fin Molly
Native range
Atlantic and Gulf coastal drainages of the south-eastern United States and Mexico; introduced widely elsewhere.
Natural habitat
Still or gently flowing warm creeks, ponds, lakes, sloughs, vegetated backwaters, tidal ditches and brackish canals. Use hard alkaline water, open swimming space and planted margins.
Diet & feeding
Algae-heavy omnivore. Wild fish graze algae and also consume rotifers, small crustaceans and aquatic insects; provide vegetable-rich foods with varied small animal foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males carry a gonopodium and develop the enlarged sail-like dorsal fin; females have a normal fan-shaped anal fin and are typically fuller-bodied.
Breeding
Livebearer. Females give birth to free-swimming fry after internal fertilisation and can store sperm; dense cover improves fry survival.