Sailfin molly size: how big does it get?

Adults reach about 11 cm. The largest on record measured 15 cm (total length). Record sizes among the 5 Poecilia species on LumaReef: 2 cm (Endler's livebearer) to 15 cm (Yucatán Molly).

Sailfin molly tank size: what is the minimum?

A tank at least 90 cm long. In LumaReef that is the Standard tank or larger.

Sailfin molly water parameters: what does it need?

Temperature 23–28 °C, pH 7.5–8.5, hardness 12–25 °dGH. Close to what most Poecilia on LumaReef need (22–28 °C).

Sailfin molly tank mates: what can it live with?

It gets along with 80 of the 99 freshwater species in the catalogue, such as Giant danio, Swordtail, and Boesemani rainbowfish.

Sailfin molly and plants: is it plant safe?

No, it may eat or uproot plants.

FreshwaterIn the market90 coinsCommon

Sailfin molly

Poecilia latipinna

The male raises that huge dorsal sail to display to a female.

The Sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna) is a subtropical marine fish of the family Poeciliidae. It swims in midwater, close to the bottom. Adults grow to about 11 cm; the largest on record measured 15 cm (total length). In the aquarium it needs a tank at least 90 cm long and water at 23–28 °C.

Size: 11 cm
Smallest tank: 90 cm
Temperature: 23–28 °C
Care: Moderate

In the aquarium

Temperature23–28 °C

pH7.5–8.5

Hardness12–25 °dGH

Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Herbivore
Activity: Moderate
Water layer: Surface
Group: Happiest in a group of 3 or more
Plants: Eats plants

These values are compiled from real species data, and the LumaReef simulation is built to keep them true to life.

Which tank it fits

Nano60 cm · 65 litresToo small
Standard90 cm · 180 litres18 of them
Wide120 cm · 300 litres30 of them
Living room180 cm · 650 litres65 of them
Showcase250 cm · 1,200 litres120 of them
Gallery300 cm · 1,440 litres144 of them

Who it lives with

Gets along80 species

and 56 more species

Caution10 species

Narrow shared temperature range

Not together9 species

Aggressive with peaceful

Water temperatures do not overlap

In the wild

Water type: Marine
Climate zone: Subtropical
Habitat: Midwater, close to the bottom
Largest on record: 15 cmtotal length
Aquarium trade: Very common

Conservation status

Classification

OrderCyprinodontiformes
FamilyPoeciliidae
GenusPoecilia
SpeciesPoecilia latipinna
Described byLesueur, 1821

In other languages

German: Breitflossenkärpfling
Spanish: Topote de velo negro
French: Molly à voilure
Russian: Широкоплавниковая моллинезия
Japanese: ホタテモーリー
Chinese: 茉莉花鱂

Quick answers

Sailfin molly size: how big does it get?: Adults reach about 11 cm. The largest on record measured 15 cm (total length). Record sizes among the 5 Poecilia species on LumaReef: 2 cm (Endler's livebearer) to 15 cm (Yucatán Molly).
Sailfin molly tank size: what is the minimum?: A tank at least 90 cm long. In LumaReef that is the Standard tank or larger.
Sailfin molly water parameters: what does it need?: Temperature 23–28 °C, pH 7.5–8.5, hardness 12–25 °dGH. Close to what most Poecilia on LumaReef need (22–28 °C).
Sailfin molly tank mates: what can it live with?: It gets along with 80 of the 99 freshwater species in the catalogue, such as Giant danio, Swordtail, and Boesemani rainbowfish.
Sailfin molly: alone or in a group?: Keep at least 3 together.
Sailfin molly and plants: is it plant safe?: No, it may eat or uproot plants.