Family: Poeciliidiae
Distribution: Poecilia latipinna, or Sailfin Molly, is a North American species found from the Cape Fear drainage in North Carolina, to Veracruz, Mexico. It is distributed in gently flowing, warm water, often in ponds, lakes, and vegetated backwaters.
PH: 6.0 – 7.0
Temperature: 22°C – 24°C (72 – 75F)
Hardness: 4 – 8 dH
Description: Poecilia latipinna can reach up to 11 cm in length. This peaceful species has a light grey body, but some males may be a green-blue hue. It has several spots that run along its back, sides and dorsal fin. It has a distinctive oblong shape, a small, dorsally flattened head and a tiny upturned mouth. Males have an enlarged – and colourful – dorsal fin; females are generally larger and plainer in their colouration. Female Poecilia latipinnas can live for up to three years if kept correctly; males usually last only one year.
Diet: While primarily a herbivore, Sailfin Molly will accept bloodworms as a special treat. You can feed it a staple diet of vegetable matter, pellets or flake, with algae wafers on a weekly basis.
Breeding: Males fertilise the eggs of the female internally; females will have a gestation period of around four weeks. Broods are usually around 10 – 140, and females may store the male’s sperm long after it dies. The fry can be given crushed flake or brine shrimp, and will require some plant life for shelter if housed in a community tank.
Comments: Poecilia latipinna will require at least a 20 gallon tank. You should provide plenty of plants and hiding places for pregnant females. Sailfin Molly has a preference for slightly brackish waters; it will thrive in this environment. This species is highly recommended to newcomers to the hobby.
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Recommended Compatible Species: The Sailfin Molly will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
Originally posted 2010-01-17 21:17:13. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
