Black Sailfin Molly

The Black Sailfin Molly, is also called the Mexican Sailfin Molly, Giant Sailfin Molly, and sometimes simply the Sailfin Molly, is a very hardy black color variation of the Poecilia latipinna, Sailfin Molly. They are a peaceful fish and prefer hard water. Mollies have the ability to adapt to a variety of salt levels in the aquarium. With a gradual acclimation, these fish may be maintained in either a freshwater or saltwater aquarium. In the freshwater aquarium, a minimum of a teaspoon of aquarium salt per gallon is recommended for optimum health.

The Black Sailfin Molly requires a tank of at least 30 gallons with algae and plenty of room to swim. The tall dorsal fin of the male will not develop if adequate room is not provided for him to swim. This species should only share a tank with other peaceful fish that prefer hard water with elevated salt levels.

The pointed anal fin and much larger dorsal fin on the male, and the rounded anal fin and pregnancy spot on the female differentiate the two. The Black Sailfin Molly is a livebearer that requires a spawning box in a large 25 gallon, or larger breeding tank. The aquarium should be planted as densely as possible or have a thick algae mat. Having a group of floating plants in the corner of the aquarium will promote rearing outside of the breeding tank. Every 60-70 days the female will give birth to 10-60 young that are already approximately one-half inch long.

The Black Sailfin Molly is omnivorous and requires both meaty foods as well as algae. Provide these fish with an algae-based flake food, as well as freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp.