Un peu plus d'informations...

Poecilia latipinna, also sold as Molly Sailfin Assorted, is a large North American livebearer valued for its impressive sail-like dorsal fin and adaptability. This species suits a spacious aquarium with strong filtration and abundant planting, where it can swim in a group. Fish sold as Assorted may show many different color patterns while retaining the typical sailfin molly body shape. Alkaline, mineral-rich water, a stable temperature, and regular vegetable foods support good health. With moderate commercial availability, this molly is generally accessible to Canadian aquarists and remains an attractive choice for a well-maintained community aquarium.

General species description

Poecilia latipinna is a livebearing fish from the Poeciliidae family, native to the coastal plains of the southeastern United States and northeastern Mexico. It inhabits quiet or slow-moving waters, sometimes influenced by tides, which helps explain its tolerance of slightly brackish conditions. In an aquarium, it is active during the day and spends much of its time in the middle and upper levels. Its temperament is usually peaceful, although a male may repeatedly court and chase females. Several females should therefore be kept for each male. An aquarium of at least 200 litres is better suited to adult fish, especially when the large dorsal fin is fully developed. Like other livebearers, it gives birth to free-swimming young and can reproduce readily when water quality, temperature, and nutrition are appropriate.

Geographic origin and biotope

Countries of reference: United States and Mexico. Its natural range is mainly associated with Atlantic coastal and Gulf of Mexico drainages, especially Florida, Texas, and nearby northeastern Mexican regions. Poecilia latipinna occupies ditches, marshes, lagoons, canals, backwaters, and small slow-flowing streams. These habitats are often shallow, brightly lit, and bordered by aquatic plants or emergent vegetation. Water may be fresh to slightly brackish, usually alkaline and relatively hard. The substrate consists of mud, sand, or organic deposits, with low to moderate current. In captivity, clean, well-oxygenated, mineral-rich water is more suitable than very soft and acidic water. Dense vegetation provides shelter for females and juveniles, while open swimming space allows males to move freely and display their dorsal fins.

Precise location and local name

In the wild, Poecilia latipinna is associated with coastal waters of the southeastern United States, especially Florida and Gulf of Mexico drainages, extending into northeastern Mexico. It also occurs in numerous canals, marshes, and coastal lagoons throughout this region. Common local and commercial names include Sailfin Molly, Sailfin Mollie, and sailfin molly. The name Molly Sailfin Assorted mainly describes a commercial assortment containing different color forms rather than a specific geographic population. In Canada, it is commonly sold as sailfin molly, molly à voile, or molly assorted. The term sailfin refers to the large dorsal fin, particularly prominent in adult males. Availability is usually good, although it is not always as consistently stocked as more common mollies such as Poecilia sphenops.

Appearance and physical characteristics

Poecilia latipinna has an elongated, fairly deep body that is compressed from side to side. Its most distinctive feature is the large, sail-shaped dorsal fin, especially prominent in adult males. The size and shape of this fin vary with the sex, lineage, and condition of the fish. Assorted specimens may be black, silver, spotted, dalmatian-patterned, gold, or combinations of several colors. The mouth is turned upward, helping the fish graze on algae and biofilm near the surface. Females are larger and heavier-bodied, while males are smaller, slimmer, and possess a gonopodium. Sexual dimorphism is very obvious, particularly because of this reproductive organ and the male’s enlarged dorsal fin. An adult female may reach about 15 cm, while males generally remain shorter and more slender.

General feeding

Poecilia latipinna is omnivorous, with a strong herbivorous tendency. Its diet should contain a substantial amount of plant material to support digestion, body condition, and coloration. Spirulina-based flakes or pellets, vegetable tablets, and algae-containing foods work well as daily staples. Blanched vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or cucumber may be offered occasionally and removed before they decay. Small portions of frozen or live foods, including daphnia, brine shrimp, or mosquito larvae, can be used as supplements. Meals should remain modest, especially in a community aquarium, because mollies are enthusiastic feeders and may easily overeat. Fiber and algae are essential parts of a balanced diet. Offering small portions once or twice daily helps limit waste and supports steady growth without overloading the filtration system.

Essential data

• Native river name: Rio Grande and neighboring coastal drainages
• Local name used: Sailfin Molly, sailfin molly
• Origin of the scientific name: Poecilia and latipinna
• Etymology of the full name: Poecilia comes from the Greek poikilos, meaning varied or mottled; latipinna means broad-finned, referring to the enlarged dorsal fin
• Common or vernacular names: Molly Sailfin Assorted, Sailfin Molly, sailfin molly
• Family: Poeciliidae
• Subfamily: Poeciliinae
• Name pronunciation: poh-ee-SILL-ee-uh lat-ih-PIN-uh
• Discovery: Charles Alexandre Lesueur, 1821
• Maximum adult size: About 15 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 28 °C; pH 7.0 to 8.5
• Watercourse appearance and surrounding vegetation: Shallow, quiet coastal waters bordered by aquatic plants, grasses, and emergent vegetation
• Typical tankmates: Poecilia reticulata, Poecilia sphenops, Xiphophorus maculatus, small snails, and adult shrimp
• Temperament and behavior: Peaceful, active, and social; males court females frequently and may harass them if the sex ratio is unbalanced
• Water depth: Shallow to moderate, usually in littoral areas and shallow canals
• Sexual dimorphism: Female larger and deeper-bodied; male smaller, with a visible gonopodium and a more developed dorsal fin
• Substrate and current: Mud, sand, and organic debris; low to moderate current

In your aquarium

To keep Poecilia latipinna successfully, provide a spacious, covered aquarium with good circulation and stable, hard, alkaline water. Keep several females for each male to reduce persistent courtship and chasing. Hardy plants, open swimming areas, and efficient filtration are especially suitable. Monitor water quality closely, because the large dorsal fin and substantial body are more vulnerable in an overcrowded or poorly maintained aquarium. A vegetable-rich diet and regular water changes are central to long-term health. Avoid aggressive or overly active tankmates that could damage the sail-like dorsal fin or prevent the mollies from feeding comfortably.