{"product_id":"dalmatian-molly-poecilia-latipinna","title":"Dalmatian Molly - Poecilia latipinna","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDalmatian Molly – \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePoecilia latipinna\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDalmatian Molly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a popular captive-bred molly variety recognised for its attractive black-and-white spotted pattern and lively, confident behaviour. Also sold as the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDalmatian Sailfin Molly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarbled Molly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpotted Molly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDalmation Molly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, this ornamental livebearer is best suited to a mature aquarium with hard, alkaline water, good filtration and peaceful but robust tank mates. It is a hardy and active fish when kept correctly, but it should not be treated as a soft-water community species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Dalmatian Molly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Dalmatian Sailfin Molly, Marbled Molly, Spotted Molly, Dalmation Molly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePoecilia latipinna\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStrain \/ Form:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Captive-bred Dalmatian ornamental strain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Livebearer \/ Molly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePoecilia latipinna\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is native to North America, with a natural range extending from the south-eastern United States through Gulf Coast regions and into parts of Mexico. Wild Sailfin Mollies are found in warm, still or gently flowing waters such as ponds, lakes, sloughs, creeks, drains, vegetated backwaters and quiet stream pools.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey are also naturally associated with coastal waters, tidal ditches and brackish canals, which explains why mollies often do best in mineral-rich water. The Dalmatian Molly is a captive-bred colour form, so its spotted pattern has been developed through selective breeding rather than representing a wild locality form.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDalmatian Mollies have a pale white, silver or creamy body covered with irregular black spots, speckles or marbling. Pattern strength varies between individuals, with some fish showing heavy black coverage and others appearing lighter with scattered markings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMales are usually smaller and slimmer, with a gonopodium and often a more extended dorsal fin, especially in sailfin-influenced lines. Females are larger, deeper-bodied and fuller, particularly when carrying fry. Adults usually reach around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e8–12 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with well-grown sailfin-type males and large females needing more space than small short-fin mollies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species is best suited to planted livebearer aquariums, harder-water community tanks and peaceful brackish-tolerant setups. It appreciates open swimming room, sturdy plants, gentle to moderate flow and stable water chemistry.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDalmatian Mollies are not ideal for very soft acidic aquariums, neglected tanks or cramped nano setups. They are active fish with a relatively high waste output, so good filtration and regular maintenance are important.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA practical minimum is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e90–120 litres for a small group\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with a tank length of at least \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e75–90 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e recommended. Larger aquariums are better for sailfin-type males, mixed communities or breeding groups.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep either a male-only display group or a mixed group with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eone male to at least two or three females\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. This helps reduce persistent attention on individual females. Avoid keeping just one male and one female, as the female may be over-harassed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 24–28°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 7.2–8.5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Hard to very hard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Dalmatian Mollies need stable, mineral-rich water and are not suitable for very soft acidic conditions. Good carbonate hardness is important. Some keepers use aquarium salt in molly-only or brackish-tolerant setups, but salt should not be added to a mixed community unless all tank mates are suitable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Community Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDalmatian Mollies are generally peaceful, active community fish, although males can be persistent with females and may compete with each other. Suitable tank mates include other mollies, platies, swordtails, peaceful rainbowfish, hardy rasboras, larger peaceful tetras that tolerate harder water, Bristlenose Plecos and robust community fish that enjoy similar mineral-rich conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid soft-water specialists, delicate fish, fin-nippers, aggressive cichlids, large predators and very shy slow feeders. Do not keep them with fish that require very soft acidic water, as molly health often declines quickly in those conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDalmatian Mollies are omnivores with a strong need for plant and algae-based foods. In nature, Sailfin Mollies feed heavily on algae and biofilm, along with small crustaceans, rotifers, aquatic insects and other tiny animal foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, offer quality livebearer flakes, spirulina flakes, algae wafers and vegetable-based granules as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brineshrimp, cyclops, mosquito larvae and occasional bloodworm. Blanched spinach, courgette or shelled peas can also be offered. Avoid feeding a diet that is too rich in meaty foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is an active midwater and upper-level livebearer that spends much of its time grazing surfaces, exploring plants and swimming in open areas. Males may display by raising the dorsal fin and pursuing females, especially in mixed-sex groups.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDalmatian Mollies are livebearers and breed readily if males and females are kept together. Females give birth to free-swimming fry, and some young may survive in planted aquariums with floating plants, moss or dense cover. Adults and tank mates may eat fry, so separate rearing is needed if you want to save larger numbers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe most important care point is water chemistry. Dalmatian Mollies need hard, alkaline, stable water and often do poorly in very soft acidic aquariums. Keep nitrate low with regular water changes and avoid overcrowding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide good filtration, open swimming space and a vegetable-rich diet. Monitor females for stress if males are present, and keep the correct sex ratio. Avoid mixing with soft-water community fish if the aquarium cannot meet molly requirements. Do not release unwanted mollies into outdoor ponds or natural waterways.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeginner to intermediate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon \/ Captive-bred ornamental strain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern, fin shape, body tone and markings can occur between individual fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43729950015562,"sku":"AG-103672","price":2.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43729950048330,"sku":"AG-103673","price":3.45,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43729950081098,"sku":"AG-103674","price":3.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/DalmatianMolly-Poecilialatipinna_1.jpg?v=1782140549","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/dalmatian-molly-poecilia-latipinna","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}