{"product_id":"black-molly-poecillia-latipinna","title":"Black Molly - Poecillia latipinna","description":"\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"eogb11\" data-start=\"617\" data-end=\"653\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003eBlack Molly – \u003cem data-start=\"633\" data-end=\"653\"\u003ePoecilia latipinna\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"668\" data-end=\"1158\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"672\" data-end=\"687\"\u003eBlack Molly\u003c\/strong\u003e is a classic livebearer with a deep velvety black body, active behaviour and hardy community appeal when kept in the right water. Listed here as \u003cstrong data-start=\"833\" data-end=\"855\"\u003ePoecilia latipinna\u003c\/strong\u003e, this form is best treated as a Sailfin Molly-type black strain, needing more space and harder, more alkaline water than smaller platies or guppies. Mollies are peaceful, attractive and easy to feed, but they are not ideal for soft acidic aquariums and should be kept in clean, mineral-rich conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"18rclky\" data-start=\"1160\" data-end=\"1182\"\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1183\" data-end=\"1448\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1183\" data-end=\"1199\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Molly\u003cbr data-start=\"1211\" data-end=\"1214\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1214\" data-end=\"1230\"\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Sailfin Molly, Sailfin Black Molly, Jet Black Molly, Molly\u003cbr data-start=\"1295\" data-end=\"1298\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1298\" data-end=\"1318\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"1319\" data-end=\"1339\"\u003ePoecilia latipinna\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1339\" data-end=\"1342\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1342\" data-end=\"1356\"\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Livebearer \/ Molly\u003cbr data-start=\"1375\" data-end=\"1378\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1378\" data-end=\"1393\"\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater; tolerant of slightly brackish conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"13oemwk\" data-start=\"1450\" data-end=\"1477\"\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1478\" data-end=\"1823\"\u003eWild \u003cem data-start=\"1483\" data-end=\"1503\"\u003ePoecilia latipinna\u003c\/em\u003e is native to North America, from the Cape Fear drainage in North Carolina, USA, south to Veracruz, Mexico. FishBase records it from still or gently flowing warm water, including small creeks, drains, ponds, lakes, sloughs, vegetated backwaters, tidal ditches and brackish canals. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1825\" data-end=\"2008\"\u003eThe Black Molly is a captive-bred colour form, so aquarium care should focus on the species’ preference for warm, hard, alkaline, clean water and plenty of plant or algae-based foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1k4fj4a\" data-start=\"2010\" data-end=\"2037\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2038\" data-end=\"2327\"\u003eBlack Mollies are known for their solid black to charcoal body colour. In Sailfin Molly-type fish, males may develop a tall, sail-like dorsal fin, which is the key feature of \u003cem data-start=\"2213\" data-end=\"2233\"\u003ePoecilia latipinna\u003c\/em\u003e. Females are usually larger and fuller-bodied, while males are slimmer and have a gonopodium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2329\" data-end=\"2559\"\u003eAdults commonly reach \u003cstrong data-start=\"2351\" data-end=\"2362\"\u003e8–12 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e in aquariums, with large males potentially bigger. FishBase lists \u003cem data-start=\"2429\" data-end=\"2443\"\u003eP. latipinna\u003c\/em\u003e at up to \u003cstrong data-start=\"2453\" data-end=\"2465\"\u003e15 cm TL\u003c\/strong\u003e for males or unsexed fish and \u003cstrong data-start=\"2496\" data-end=\"2508\"\u003e10 cm TL\u003c\/strong\u003e for females. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"zee6g1\" data-start=\"2561\" data-end=\"2585\"\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2586\" data-end=\"2982\"\u003eThis is a good fish for peaceful hard-water community aquariums, livebearer tanks and planted setups with stable water chemistry. Mollies need clean water, good oxygenation, open swimming room, plant cover and a diet with plenty of vegetable matter. They are not suitable for soft acidic aquariums, small nano tanks, aggressive predator communities or neglected aquariums with poor water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1jzuw08\" data-start=\"2984\" data-end=\"3013\"\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3014\" data-end=\"3311\"\u003eA practical minimum is \u003cstrong data-start=\"3037\" data-end=\"3069\"\u003e120 litres for a small group\u003c\/strong\u003e, with \u003cstrong data-start=\"3076\" data-end=\"3098\"\u003e150 litres or more\u003c\/strong\u003e preferred for Sailfin Molly-type adults, mixed-sex groups or community aquariums. A tank length of at least \u003cstrong data-start=\"3207\" data-end=\"3216\"\u003e90 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e is recommended, especially for males with developed dorsal fins and active breeding behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"pl4gsq\" data-start=\"3313\" data-end=\"3333\"\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3334\" data-end=\"3995\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3334\" data-end=\"3350\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–28°C\u003cbr data-start=\"3358\" data-end=\"3361\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3361\" data-end=\"3368\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.2–8.5\u003cbr data-start=\"3376\" data-end=\"3379\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3379\" data-end=\"3392\"\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hard to very hard preferred\u003cbr data-start=\"3420\" data-end=\"3423\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3423\" data-end=\"3444\"\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mollies should be kept in mineral-rich, alkaline water. Seriously Fish states that \u003cem data-start=\"3528\" data-end=\"3542\"\u003eP. latipinna\u003c\/em\u003e must be maintained in moderately hard or harder water with a basic pH, as it weakens rapidly in soft or acidic conditions. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Salt is not essential for healthy mollies in good hard freshwater, although this species naturally tolerates brackish habitats; TFH notes that salt can be useful in some health situations but is not required for fancy mollies and can limit plant growth. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"3rlnm7\" data-start=\"3997\" data-end=\"4025\"\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4026\" data-end=\"4065\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4026\" data-end=\"4048\"\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e Community Fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4067\" data-end=\"4350\"\u003eBlack Mollies are peaceful but active livebearers. Suitable tank mates include platies, swordtails, other mollies, rainbowfish, peaceful barbs, larger danios, bristlenose plecs, hard-water tolerant Cory-type catfish and other calm community fish that enjoy neutral to alkaline water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4352\" data-end=\"4718\"\u003eAvoid soft-water species that need acidic conditions, large predators, aggressive cichlids, persistent fin-nippers and tiny fish or shrimp that may be harassed or outcompeted. Keep in groups, ideally with \u003cstrong data-start=\"4557\" data-end=\"4592\"\u003eone male to two or more females\u003c\/strong\u003e if mixed sexes are kept, as males can chase females. Male-only groups can work in display aquariums if there is enough space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1ah6yd9\" data-start=\"4720\" data-end=\"4731\"\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4732\" data-end=\"5197\"\u003eBlack Mollies are omnivores with a strong need for plant and algae-based foods. Offer quality livebearer flakes, spirulina flakes, algae wafers and small granules as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brineshrimp, cyclops, mosquito larvae and occasional bloodworm. FishBase records wild \u003cem data-start=\"5055\" data-end=\"5069\"\u003eP. latipinna\u003c\/em\u003e feeding mainly on algae, with additional rotifers, small crustaceans and aquatic insects. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"2vr35r\" data-start=\"5199\" data-end=\"5228\"\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5229\" data-end=\"5557\"\u003eThis is an active upper and midwater fish that grazes constantly over plants, décor and algae films. Males display to females and rival males, especially if they have developed sail-like dorsal fins. Females give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs, and fry may survive in planted aquariums if cover is available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"gyou4p\" data-start=\"5559\" data-end=\"5573\"\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5574\" data-end=\"6007\"\u003eKeep in stable, mature water with strong filtration, regular water changes and good mineral content. Avoid overcrowding, as mollies are sensitive to poor water quality and can develop stress-related problems in unsuitable conditions. Provide plant cover, but also leave open swimming space. A secure lid is recommended, as active livebearers can jump. If you do not want uncontrolled breeding, keep males only or have a plan for fry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"iot6fl\" data-start=\"6009\" data-end=\"6028\"\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6029\" data-end=\"6053\"\u003eBeginner to intermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1c7763y\" data-start=\"6055\" data-end=\"6071\"\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6072\" data-end=\"6107\"\u003eCommon \/ Captive-bred colour strain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1x39ni3\" data-start=\"6109\" data-end=\"6129\"\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6130\" data-end=\"6346\"\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, fin shape, dorsal fin height and markings can occur between individual fish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43684191404106,"sku":"AG-103012","price":2.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43684191436874,"sku":"AG-103013","price":3.45,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43684191469642,"sku":"AG-103014","price":3.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/BlackMolly-Poecillialatipinna_1.jpg?v=1781016794","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/black-molly-poecillia-latipinna","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}