The livestock that is sold on our online site is not held in store at our Birchwood Aquatic Centre shop. Species sold at the Birchwood Aquatic Centre physical store may differ from ones available to order to your door.
Assorted Sailfin Molly Fish Poecilia Velifera 3cm
Image for illustration purposes only. Exact colours, patterns, and size may vary between individuals.
Delivered alive, guaranteed
Live fish delivery is £20 per order, delivered Thursday, Friday or Saturday, arriving before 1:00pm on the day you choose at checkout. Packed by aquatic specialists and shipped overnight with a dedicated livestock courier, every fish is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee with automatic refunds. See How Live Fish Delivery Works for full details.
When will my fish arrive?
| Order placed | Delivery day |
|---|---|
| Up to Monday 11:00am | Thursday (that week) |
| Monday after 11:00am – Tuesday 11:00am | Friday (that week) |
| Tuesday after 11:00am – Wednesday 11:00am | Saturday (that week) |
| Wednesday after 11:00am – Sunday (any time) | Thursday (following week) |
Overview
The Sailfin Molly is the largest of the popular mollies, with males developing a tall, sail-like dorsal fin that they spread in display. Offered here in a mix of colours, this active grazer comes from the coastal waters of the Yucatán and brings size and spectacle to a hard-water community. Best for keepers who can provide hard, alkaline water and space.
- Sold as: Pack of 6 (minimum order quantity)
- Adult Size: Around 12–15 cm (5–6 in); males slightly larger with taller fins
- Lifespan: 3–5 years
Origin
- Native to: Yucatán Peninsula, southeastern Mexico
- Habitat: Coastal lagoons, mangroves and brackish estuaries
Feeding
- Diet: Omnivorous, with a strong vegetable component
- Preferred Foods: Quality flake, spirulina flake, blanched spinach, cucumber, brine shrimp, daphnia
- Feeding Habits: Feed small amounts twice daily; greens or algae wafers most days
Tank Mates
- Best with: Platies, swordtails, rainbowfish, Corydoras, larger hard-water community fish, other mollies
- Avoid: Fin-nippers, large cichlids, soft-water species
Aggression & Behaviour
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Territoriality: Low; males display and chase rivals and females
Experience Level
- Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
- Challenges: Demands hard, alkaline, clean water; more sensitive than other mollies
Water Parameters
- Water Type: Freshwater, hard and alkaline; thrives brackish
- Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
- pH: 7.0–8.5
- Hardness: 15–35 dGH
- Flow: Slow to moderate
- Tank Size: Minimum 100 litres for a group; larger is better as fish mature, ideally with plants and open swimming space
Final Notes
Sailfins grow considerably bigger than standard mollies and need room to develop; the male dorsal fin only reaches full size in hard, alkaline water with plenty of space. Keep two females per male as males pursue mates vigorously; gestation is four to eight weeks with broods of 20 to 60 large fry. A little marine salt is well tolerated and often beneficial. A striking centrepiece livebearer for a hard-water tank.
Please Note
The livestock that is sold on our online site is not held in store at our Birchwood Aquatic Centre shop. Species sold at the Birchwood Aquatic Centre physical store may differ from ones available to order to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
In insulated boxes designed for live transport, packed by aquatic specialists,
overnight with a licensed live-animal courier, arriving before 1pm.
It is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Photograph it within 4 hours of delivery, email info@birchwoodaquaticcentre.co.uk with your order number, and the refund is processed automatically. The cover continues for 7 days after arrival.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You pick your day at checkout; please choose a day someone is home.
Yes. One basket, one checkout; the fish arrive with the specialist courier and the rest of your order ships as normal.
We can deliver to UK mainland only for live fish.
Follow the five-minute acclimatisation steps in our When Your Fish Arrive guide: float the bags, add tank water gradually, net the fish in, lights low, feed tomorrow.