CheckMyFishTank

Sailfin Molly care

Poecilia latipinna · Freshwater · Beginner level care

Sailfin Molly, painted illustration

A larger molly with a tall sail like fin on males.

Smallest tank55 gallons
Adult size5 inches
Temperature72 to 80°F
pH7.5 to 8.2
GroupA group of 3 or more
TemperamentPeaceful
SwimsTop of the tank
Lives3 to 5 years
Watch for: They need more room than common mollies and hard water.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish. Flakes, spirulina, algae wafers, blanched vegetables.

Has long fins that fin nippers target.

Good tank mates

Fish that pass every check with Sailfin Molly in a 110 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Betta (Female)Betta (Male)Black Neon TetraBlack Ruby BarbBlue AcaraBlue GouramiBoesemani RainbowfishBrilliant RasboraBristlenose PlecoBronze Corydoras

Do not mix with

  • Discus: Discus and Sailfin Molly need different water temperatures.
  • Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Sailfin Molly.
  • Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey is aggressive and will bully peaceful Sailfin Molly.
  • Green Terror: Green Terror is aggressive and will bully peaceful Sailfin Molly.
  • Red Zebra Cichlid: Red Zebra Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Sailfin Molly.
  • Cobalt Blue Zebra: Cobalt Blue Zebra is aggressive and will bully peaceful Sailfin Molly.
  • Kenyi Cichlid: Kenyi Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Sailfin Molly.
  • Demasoni Cichlid: Demasoni Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Sailfin Molly.

Questions

What size tank does a Sailfin Molly need?

At least 55 gallons for a group of 3. Adults grow to about 5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Sailfin Molly like?

72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 7.5 to 8.2. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Sailfin Molly should I keep together?

Keep 3 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.

What do Sailfin Molly eat?

Flakes, spirulina, algae wafers, blanched vegetables. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish.

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.