Gold Dust Sailfin Molly (Poecilia latipinna)

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The Gold Dust Sailfin Molly is a captivating color variant of the Sailfin Molly, prized for its gleaming gold-to-black gradient and graceful sail-like dorsal fin. With its bold coloration and lively temperament, this variety brings warmth and motion to any aquarium.

At Aquatic Arts, we offer both Tank-Bred and Locally Bred (Indiana) specimens:

• Tank-Bred: Raised in carefully maintained aquatic systems for consistent color, size, and adaptability.

• Locally Bred (Indiana): Produced by trusted independent breeders here in Indiana, known for maintaining strong genetics and natural hardiness through selective breeding.

Both options display the same beauty, health, and peaceful disposition that make this molly a favorite among aquarists.

What We Love About This Fish:

• Brilliant two-tone blend of metallic gold and deep black
• Males develop a large, dramatic sailfin with elegant movement
• Peaceful, social, and adaptable to community or lightly brackish tanks
• Excellent beginner fish with a calm, active nature

Natural Habitat:

The wild Poecilia latipinna originates in the southeastern United States, where it inhabits shallow coastal waters, marshes, and estuaries. These areas are rich in vegetation and feature slightly brackish conditions. The Gold Dust Sailfin Molly is a selectively bred variant developed in captivity to emphasize its gold and black contrast while preserving the resilience of its wild ancestors.

Aquascaping:

The Gold Dust Sailfin Molly thrives in bright, open aquariums that mimic its natural coastal environment — warm shallows with plenty of movement, sunlight, and vegetation. Creating a balanced blend of plants, texture, and natural materials will bring out both their color and personality.

• Plants: Flowing greens like Vallisneria and Hornwort create a lively backdrop, while Anubias and Amazon Sword offer contrasting leaf shapes and provide gentle shelter. A mix of rooted and rhizome plants keeps the scape dynamic and natural.

• Hardscape: Combine smooth river stones, aged driftwood, and a soft sand or fine gravel substrate to create an inviting landscape for grazing and exploration. The contrast of pale sand beneath the molly’s gold-and-black coloration makes their hues pop.

• Botanicals: Introduce natural tannins and beneficial surface area with Aquatic Arts Indian Almond Leaves, Catappa Bark, or Alder Cones. These botanicals help stabilize water chemistry, encourage biofilm growth, and create a more natural ecosystem.

For additional enrichment, consider accenting the layout with Cholla Wood or a Coconut Hut Shelter, both excellent for algae and biofilm growth that support microfauna and foraging behavior.

Diet and Feeding:

Omnivorous by nature, mollies thrive on a balanced diet that includes high-quality flakes or micro pellets, vegetable matter (such as blanched spinach or zucchini), and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia. Offering a mix of plant-based and protein-rich foods enhances both color and vitality.

Tank Mates and Compatibility:

Gold Dust Sailfin Mollies are peaceful community fish that coexist well with other livebearers such as Guppies, Platies, and Swordtails, as well as small schooling species like Tetras and Rasboras. Avoid fin-nipping fish or aggressive cichlids. Keep a ratio of one male to two or more females to prevent stress and display natural social behavior.

Shrimp Compatibility:

Generally compatible with adult freshwater shrimp. However, shrimp fry may be at risk of predation. For mixed tanks, provide dense vegetation, moss, or hiding areas to help shrimp colonies thrive alongside mollies.

Breeding:

Gold Dust Sailfin Mollies are livebearers that give birth to free-swimming fry. Males display to females using their impressive dorsal fin. Provide floating plants or dense cover to protect fry from adults. Fry readily accept powdered foods, crushed flakes, or baby brine shrimp.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 74° - 82° F (23° - 28° C)
• pH: 7.0 - 8.3
• KH: 10 - 25 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Omnivorous; provide both plant and protein foods daily.
• Social Behavior: Peaceful; thrives in small groups.
• Origin: Tank-Bred or Locally Bred in Indiana.
• Average Adult Size: 3 – 4 inches (7.6 – 10 cm)
• Average Purchase Size: 1.5 – 2.5 inches (3.8 – 6.3 cm)

Add vibrant color and personality to your tank with the Gold Dust Sailfin Molly — a lively, golden beauty that’s as hardy as it is eye-catching.

Live Arrival Guarantee:

All Aquatic Arts brand plants and animals come with a 100% live arrival guarantee, plus free email support at Info@AquaticArts.com.