Yucatan Molly

Appearance:

• Body Coloration: Yucatan Mollies come in a range of colors, but they are most commonly found with shades of silver, blue, and green, often with iridescent scales. Some individuals also display spots or marbling patterns.
• Sailfin: One of the key identifying features of the Yucatan Molly is the large, sail-like dorsal fin in males, which is larger and more pronounced than in other molly species. This sailfin can have streaks of color or dark patterns, adding to the fish's beauty.

Size:

• Yucatan Mollies are one of the largest molly species. Males can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length, while females are typically slightly smaller, growing to about 4-5 inches (10-13 cm).

Lifespan:

• With proper care, Yucatan Mollies can live for 3-5 years, though they may live longer in optimal tank conditions.

Behavior:

• Peaceful and Active: Yucatan Mollies are generally peaceful and do well in community tanks. They are active swimmers and prefer being in groups, making them social fish.
• Livebearers: Like other mollies, Yucatan Mollies are livebearers. Females give birth to live fry, and a female can have 10-100 fry every 30-45 days under the right conditions.

Habitat & Tank Requirements:

• Tank Size: Due to their larger size, a minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for Yucatan Mollies. A larger tank is preferable, especially for males with their large sailfins.
• Water Parameters: Yucatan Mollies thrive in slightly alkaline water with a pH of 7.5-8.5 and a temperature range of 75-82°F (24-28°C). They are adaptable to various water conditions but do best in clean, well-maintained tanks.
• Brackish Water: Yucatan Mollies are native to coastal waters and often do well in slightly brackish water (low salinity), so adding a small amount of aquarium salt can improve their health and vitality.
• Aquarium Setup: Provide a well-planted tank with ample swimming space. Yucatan Mollies enjoy hiding places, so including plants, rocks, and decorations is ideal. However, due to their size, ensure there's enough open water for active swimming.

Diet:

• Yucatan Mollies are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet:
  • High-quality flakes or pellets formulated for tropical fish.
  • Vegetables: Blanched spinach, zucchini, and peas are great plant-based foods.
  • Protein-rich foods: Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
  • They will also eat algae in the tank, which provides a natural food source and helps keep the aquarium clean.

Breeding:

• Prolific Breeders: Yucatan Mollies are prolific breeders like other molly species. Females can give birth every 4-6 weeks. To protect the fry from being eaten by adult fish, provide plenty of plants or use a breeding box.
• Breeding Tips: Keep a ratio of 1 male to 2-3 females to reduce stress on females, as males can be persistent in their mating efforts.

Tank Mates:

• Yucatan Mollies are generally peaceful and compatible with other non-aggressive species, such as:
  • Platies
  • Swordtails
  • Guppies
  • Tetras
  • Corydoras catfish
• Avoid keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping species like certain barbs or cichlids, as they may damage the mollies' fins.

Water Tolerance:

• Yucatan Mollies can adapt to both freshwater and slightly brackish water environments. Maintaining stable water conditions, regular water changes, and good filtration are key to keeping them healthy.

Health and Care:

• Like other mollies, Yucatan Mollies can be susceptible to common freshwater fish diseases like Ich, fin rot, and fungal infections, particularly if water quality is poor.
• Regular water changes and a clean environment are essential for preventing these issues. Ensuring a varied diet and maintaining stable water parameters will also support their immune systems.

Hardiness and Beginner-Friendly:

• Yucatan Mollies are hardy fish, making them a good choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists. They can tolerate a range of water conditions but prefer stability.

Unique Features:

• The large sailfin in males and the beautiful metallic sheen of their scales make Yucatan Mollies stand out. Their fins can also display interesting patterns, which make them even more visually striking in a well-lit tank.

Temperament:

• Yucatan Mollies are friendly, active, and peaceful, making them great additions to a community tank. They are sociable with other mollies and community fish, and their active nature adds life to the aquarium.

Maintenance:

• Regular water changes (about 25% every 1-2 weeks) and a good filtration system are important for Yucatan Mollies due to their larger size and higher waste production.
• Tank cleaning and removing any uneaten food will help maintain water quality and reduce the risk of disease.