Description

These fish are named Molly after the original scientific name of their genus, Mollienisia, as it was originally classified in 1846. Since then, the genus has been renamed Poecilia, after the family name Poeciliidae. This genus has some of the most beautiful and unusual varieties of live-bearer fish. The sailfin molly is arguably one of the most exotic fish available of any genus. Other species of mollies have similar appearances, but don’t have the large dorsal sailfin. Mollies come in many color varieties. Mollies are relatively hardy, but prefer warmer aquarium water temperatures. When live-bearers are chilled or otherwise exposed to environmental stress of any kind, they tend to develop an ailment known commonly as “shimmies.” In reality, this is not an infectious disease but merely a compounding of symptoms of stress.

Mollies are mostly found from Southern United States down into Central America and northern South America. They thrive mainly in freshwater environments, sometimes venturing into brackish estuaries. Mollies, like guppies, are capable of acclimating to full strength sea water temporarily, but it is not their natural environment by any means.