Black Molly - Poecillia latipinna

Black Sailfin Molly (Poecilia latipinna)

The Black Sailfin Molly is a bold and attractive livebearer, prized for its deep black colouration, active swimming behaviour and the impressive enlarged dorsal fin shown by mature males. This aquarium strain is based on the Sailfin Molly, a hardy but slightly more demanding molly that does best in clean, stable, mineral-rich water. Peaceful, lively and full of character, it is a great choice for larger community aquariums where harder, alkaline water can be maintained.

Common Name:
Black Sailfin Molly. Also commonly referred to as the Black Molly, Black Sailfin Molly Fish, Sailfin Molly or Black Molly Sailfin.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Poecilia latipinna

Maximum Size:
Around 10–12 cm in captivity, with mature males developing the larger sail-like dorsal fin. Females are usually fuller-bodied and may grow slightly larger than males.

Water Type:
Freshwater
Can also tolerate lightly brackish conditions when acclimated correctly.

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Black Sailfin Molly is a captive-bred colour form. The wild form of Poecilia latipinna is native to the south-eastern United States and parts of Mexico, where it is found in still or gently flowing warm waters, ponds, lakes, sloughs, creeks, vegetated backwaters, tidal ditches and brackish coastal canals.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–28°C
pH Range: 7.2–8.5
Hardness: moderately hard to hard water strongly preferred

Temperament:
Peaceful and active. Suitable for community aquariums with other calm fish that enjoy similar harder, alkaline water conditions. Males may chase females, so mixed-sex groups are best kept with more females than males.

Diet:
Omnivorous with a strong herbivorous grazing tendency. It should be offered a varied diet including quality flake, small pellets, spirulina, algae-based foods, blanched vegetables, daphnia, brineshrimp and occasional bloodworm. Vegetable matter is especially important for long-term health.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical recommendation is at least 120 litres for a small group, with a larger aquarium preferred for mature males to fully develop and display their sailfin dorsal.

Behaviour & Activity:
This is an active mid-to-upper level livebearer that spends much of the day swimming, grazing and displaying. Males may flare their dorsal fins when showing to females or rival males. Females give birth to free-swimming fry, so numbers may increase quickly in a planted aquarium. Open swimming space, planted areas and gentle water movement are all beneficial.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
This species is peaceful and works well with other freshwater community fish that prefer harder, alkaline water. Suitable tank mates include platies, swordtails, other mollies, peaceful rainbowfish, danios, robust tetras suited to harder water, bristlenose plecos and compatible Corydoras species. Avoid very soft-water fish, aggressive species, fin nippers and large predators.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in clean, stable, mineral-rich water with strong filtration and regular maintenance. Sailfin Mollies are less forgiving in soft, acidic or poorly maintained aquariums and can quickly decline if water quality is unstable. Aquarium salt is not essential if the water is naturally hard and alkaline, but some keepers use lightly brackish conditions for long-term molly health. Do not mix with delicate soft-water species if mineral content or salinity is being increased.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Common / occasional in trade, usually as captive-bred stock

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.