fish · Poeciliidae
Yucatan sailfin molly
Poecilia velifera
Wild range: Northern Yucatán Peninsula — Yucatán, Campeche, and Quintana Roo (southeastern Mexico), including coastal lagoons, mangroves, estuaries, and inland cenotes; introduced elsewhere (e.g. parts of Asia and the Americas) (North America)
At a glance: Yucatan sailfin molly care
Compiled reference information. Review the care notes and original sources below.
What temperature is listed for Yucatan sailfin molly?
The compiled profile lists 22.0–28.0 °C for Yucatan sailfin molly (Poecilia velifera). Check the original sources below for context and differing recommendations.
What tank size is listed for Yucatan sailfin molly?
The profile lists a minimum tank volume of 40.0 US gallons (151.0 liters). Volume alone does not establish suitability; consider dimensions, group size and other inhabitants alongside the full care notes.
What pH is listed for Yucatan sailfin molly?
The compiled profile lists a pH of 7.0–8.5. Review the cited care sources alongside the other water parameters in this profile.
Natural habitat
Fresh and brackish coastal lagoons, mangrove creeks, estuaries, and inland cenotes of the Yucatán Peninsula; benthopelagic in vegetated shallows (Seriously Fish, FishBase, Wikipedia range).
Where they are found
Catalog primary name Poecilia velifera (Regan, 1914) — Yucatan / giant sailfin molly — per inventory lock, ITIS TSN 165906, FishBase, and Eschmeyer’s Catalog of Fishes. Originally Mollienesia velifera Regan, 1914 (type Progresso, Yucatán). Distinct from the smaller sailfin molly Poecilia latipinna (Lesueur, 1821), already in this catalog as sailfin-molly: reliable ID is dorsal-fin ray count (velifera 18–19 vs latipinna ~14). Hybrids and color morphs (albino, black, red, balloon) are common in the trade and often involve latipinna crosses — balloon morphs have welfare concerns. IUCN Vulnerable (assessed 2018).
Aquarium care
Large Yucatán sailfin livebearer that needs hard, alkaline water and generous swimming space so males can develop their full dorsal sail. Plan at least a 40 US gallon (~151 L) tank for adults (Select Aquatics / NANFA; tropicalfreshwaterfish 35–45 gal); Seriously Fish’s ~27 gal / 36×15″ footprint is an absolute lower bound for a small group but tends to stunt sailfin development. Keep temperature about 22–28°C, pH 7.0–8.5, and GH roughly 15–35 (Seriously Fish, tropicalfreshwaterfish). Soft or acidic water quickly causes shimmying, clamped fins, and fungus — mineral hardness (calcium/magnesium) matters more than aquarium salt, which is optional. Heavy filtration and frequent large water changes are essential; the species is notably nitrate-intolerant (Select/NANFA). Heavily planted with open midwater swimming lanes and a secure lid. More demanding than shortfin or common sailfin mollies.
Feeding
Omnivore with a strong vegetable component: quality flakes/pellets plus blanched greens, spirulina/algae wafers, and some live/frozen invertebrates (worms, crustaceans, insect larvae) (Seriously Fish, FishBase, Select Aquatics). Feed several small meals daily rather than one large ration — they produce a lot of waste and decline if nitrates climb.
Compatibility
Peaceful with other hard-water, similarly sized community fish — other livebearers (swordtails, platies; avoid other molly species if you want pure lines), hardy corydoras/loricariids, some barbs, tetras, and gouramis (Seriously Fish). Do not house with soft-water Amazonian specialists. Distinct from and larger than Poecilia latipinna (sailfin-molly already in catalog); the two hybridize readily. Not nano-safe.
Breeding
Livebearer. Males smaller with a gonopodium and a tall sail-like dorsal; keep roughly one male with two or more females because males pursue mates vigorously (Seriously Fish). Gestation about 4–8 weeks; broods commonly 20–60, occasionally up to ~200 in large females. Fry are relatively large and take powdered flake or baby brine from birth. Dense plants or a separate maternity tank help; wild-type strains are less cannibalistic than many domestic mollies (Seriously Fish, tropicalfreshwaterfish).
Sources
Compiled from multiple independent care sheets — not copied from a single site.