Marble Giant Sailfin Molly (Poecilia velifera var.)

Marble Giant Sailfin Molly Poecilia velifera var.
Name	Marble Giant Sailfin Molly
Name Lat.	Poecilia velifera var.
Synonym	Mollienisia velifera
Family	Livebearers
Family lat.	Poeciliidae
Order	Killifishes & Livebearers
Order lat.	Cyprinodontiformes
Origin	Mexico (breeding variety)
Habitat	Streams, ponds
Diet	Omnivore
pH	7.0-8.5
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Harem
Care Level	Easy
Reproduction	Livebearer
Breeding	Moderately difficult
Life Span	3-5 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	15-18 cm
Temperature	22-28 °C
Hardness	15-30 °dH
Aquarium	~ 250 l
US Units
Size	6"-7"
Temperature	72-82 °F
Hardness	267-534 ppm
Aquarium	~ 65 gal

Distribution and habitat

The marble velifera molly is a breeding form. The natural range of the sail carp is southeastern Mexico. They live primarily in shallow, slow-moving or stagnant waters with floating plants and dense underwater vegetation.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a dense, varied planting, with shelters and hiding places (roots) and provide adequate swimming space. A dark substrate, some shaded light (floating plants) and medium to hard water is ideal.

No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

They feed mainly on vegetable food. The food supply consists of dry, live and frozen food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a dry food (flakes, granules, pellets) with high vegetable content as well as algae leaves, algae wafers or scalded leafy and wild vegetables, supplemented with cyclops, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen).

It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day, which are eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.

Behaviour and compatibility

They are peaceful fish and well suited for a community tank with other calm and peaceful fish. They should be kept in a harem, one male with several females.

Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

Males are smaller and have an anal fin (gonopodium) that has been transformed into a mating organ. The females are larger and appear rounder.

Reproduction and breeding

Sail carps are live-bearing fish. Internal fertilization is provided by the male's gonopodium. After 4-8 weeks of gestation, usually 20-60, but sometimes many more fry are born. They are already fully developed and independent at birth. After filling their swim bladder at the water surface, they can immediately start feeding.

Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.

Important

Sail carps are bred in many varieties.

Soft water is not tolerated well and makes them susceptible to disease. The addition of sea salt (mineral salt) from the pet store to harden the water prevents.

The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch 

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF