Sailfin Molly
Poecilia latipinna
The Sailfin Molly is a native Florida livebearer whose males raise a tall, colorful dorsal fin during courtship displays.
The Sailfin Molly is a familiar native fish of fresh and brackish water throughout Florida. It thrives in warm, shallow habitats ranging from spring runs and vegetated ditches to coastal marshes and estuaries.
Males are smaller and more colorful than females and can raise a large sail-like dorsal fin patterned with rows of spots. This adaptable fish grazes on algae and detritus while also taking small aquatic animals.
Habitat:
Canals and Ditches, Estuaries and Bays, Freshwater Wetlands, Lakes and Ponds, Rivers and Springs
Area / Range:
Statewide
Diet:
Algae, diatoms, soft aquatic plants, detritus, tiny crustaceans, insect larvae, and other small invertebrates. Grazing helps recycle nutrients in shallow water.
Behavior:
Active by day and often seen in loose groups near vegetation or the water surface. Males spread their tall dorsal fins, posture, and court females. Females give birth to free-swimming young rather than laying eggs.
Day
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Watch during daylight along sunny, shallow edges of spring runs, canals, ponds, marshes, and brackish creeks where algae and aquatic plants are abundant.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Common native species and not federally or state listed. Local populations benefit from vegetated shorelines and clean fresh or brackish water.
Safety Level:
Harmless. Avoid Handling
Safety Information:
This small fish is harmless to people and pets. Avoid netting or handling it unless current fishing and collection rules allow the activity.
Benefits to Property:
Grazes on algae and detritus, consumes mosquito larvae and other tiny invertebrates, and provides food for larger fish, wading birds, and turtles.
Property Concerns:
It causes no property damage. Shoreline hardening, removal of all aquatic vegetation, and fertilizer or pesticide runoff can reduce suitable habitat.
Fun Fact:
Sailfin Mollies are livebearers, so females release fully formed young. A displaying male can fold or raise his dramatic dorsal sail in seconds.
Wildlife Laws:
Follow current Florida freshwater and saltwater fishing, baitfish, aquarium collection, and protected-area rules before capturing or possessing native fish.
Identification:
Look for a deep-bodied fish with an upturned mouth, a squared or rounded tail, and rows of small spots on the sides and fins. Adult males have an exceptionally tall, sail-shaped dorsal fin and may show blue-green, orange, or black markings.
Females are larger and more subdued, with a smaller dorsal fin and a fuller abdomen. The large spotted sail of breeding males separates this species from other Florida mollies and mosquitofish.