WHATSTHATFISH
Bony fish

Sailfin Molly

Poecilia velifera

Also known as: Balloon Molly, Giant Sailfin Molly, Mexican Sailfin Molly, Silver Sailfin Molly, Yucatan Molly, Yucatan Sailfin Molly

VUVulnerableIUCN Red List, 2019
Adult
@BirdingRob · Artificial wetland., Saudi Arabia · May 20141 / 7
01

Overview

Found in small schools, close to vegetation for cover against predators, in shallow, freshwater, ditches, estuaries, lowland streams, marshes, ponds, rivers, and swamps, as well as coastal areas. They vary in colour and pattern.
Depth - Shallow
Widespread Central America

A freshwater fish one of the most popular in the aquarium trade as they are easy to keep in various temperatures of water, are prolific live bearers as well as being very varied with their colourful and patterned tails.

02

How to identify

Pattern
marbled
Fins & Tail
sail fin
Behaviour
schooling

Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.

03

Habitat & where to find it

  • Exact location · 2
  • Country only · 5
LIVES IN

Found in small schools, close to vegetation for cover against predators, in shallow, freshwater, ditches, estuaries, lowland streams, marshes, ponds, rivers, and swamps, as well as coastal areas.

04

Adult photos 7

05

Discussion 2

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2 comments

  • Ben Huntingford· 25 Jun 2015

    No that is a wrasse

  • Bart Hazes· 12 May 2015

    Thanks for the detailed description but this is actually a dotted parrotfish (Calotomus viridescens), probably initial phase. The radial markings around the eye and dark dots on scales are very characteristic.

ALL STAGES
FOR THE MARINE-BIOLOGY CURIOUS

Deep dive

Taxonomy

  1. kingdomAnimalia
  2. phylumChordata
  3. classTeleostei
  4. orderCyprinodontiformes
  5. familyPoeciliidae
  6. genusPoecilia
  7. speciesPoecilia velifera (Regan, 1914)

SourcesWoRMSFishBase

06

More in the family

Rivulines-Killifishes-Live Bearers (Poeciliidae)