Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Sailfin Molly
Poecilia latipinna
Also called Molly voile, Breitflossenkärpfling
From Coastal fresh and brackish waters of south-eastern North America, from the Cape Fear drainage in North Carolina along the Gulf coast to Texas and on to Veracruz and the Yucatán in Mexico.123
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Scaled livebearer with sail-like dorsal fin
A deep-bodied livebearer with an upturned mouth suited to feeding at the surface. Mature males grow a tall, long dorsal fin that they raise like a sail, and carry a gonopodium; females have a normal-sized dorsal fin.231
Personality what they are like
Generally a peaceful community fish for hard water, though adult males can be pushy with each other, especially when courting.32
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A strong, active swimmer that needs plenty of open swimming room, especially as males grow their large fins.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Fairly easy to keep in hard, alkaline water. Feed plenty of plant-based food and keep the water clean and well filtered; salt is not required.3
Home where they are happiest
Aquarium from about 76 x 38 cm base (around 87 litres). Water 21-26 °C (wild range 20-28 °C), pH 7.0-8.5, hard water (15-35 dGH). Can live in fresh or brackish water.31
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Mainly herbivorous: algae and plant matter, plus small invertebrates. Offer vegetable flakes, blanched greens and some frozen or live foods.312
Company who they like around
Keep in a group with more females than males alongside other robust, hard-water fish such as other livebearers.3
The story where it all began
Charles Lesueur described the sailfin molly in 1821 from specimens taken near New Orleans. It has been a staple of the aquarium trade for many years, and breeders have developed black, white, albino and speckled forms, many mixed with other molly species.23
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It tolerates very salty water, with records of salinities up to 87 parts per thousand.2
- 2
Females can store sperm and keep producing broods after mating, with litters of about 10-140 young.2
- 3
Its upturned mouth lets it use the oxygen-rich layer right at the water surface.2
- 4
Males show off their tall dorsal fin when displaying to females and rivals.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 2019)1
- Taxonomy
- Family Poeciliidae; described by Lesueur in 1821 as Mollienesia latipinna2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Sailfin Molly. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Sailfin Molly?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, and it's best to give only what they can eat in a couple of minutes.3 Furry Diary plan
What does a Sailfin Molly eat, and what should it never eat?
They mainly eat algae and plant matter, so offer vegetable flakes, blanched greens, and some frozen or live foods. Avoid feeding them anything not suited for herbivorous fish, and always check with a vet if unsure.312
How much space does a Sailfin Molly need?
They need an aquarium with a base of at least 76 x 38 cm, which is about 87 litres. They are strong, active swimmers and need plenty of open swimming room.31
What temperature, light or water does a Sailfin Molly need?
Keep the water between 21-26°C, with a pH of 7.0-8.5 and hard water (15-35 dGH). They can live in fresh or brackish water, and good filtration is important.31
How often should I clean a Sailfin Molly's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse using old tank water. Regular water testing is also recommended weekly. Furry Diary plan
Can a Sailfin Molly live with others?
Yes, they are generally peaceful community fish for hard water. Keep them in a group with more females than males, alongside other robust, hard-water fish like other livebearers.3
How long does a Sailfin Molly live?
Their lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific details, it's best to ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Sailfin Molly?
It's best not to handle them, as they are delicate fish. Observe them in their tank instead, and use a net only when necessary for moving them.3
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Poecilia latipinna fishbase.seused for origin, size, environment, diet, IUCN
- Wikipedia: Sailfin molly en.wikipedia.orgused for names, colours, history, facts
- Seriously Fish: Poecilia latipinna seriouslyfish.comused for tank size, water, diet, behaviour
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.