Saltwater Platinum Sailfin Molly (Algae Eater, Self-Propagating)

2026-04-21T00:02:51-07:00

Type: FISH
Price: 12.99

Saltwater Platinum Sailfin Molly

Saltwater Platinum Sailfin Molly

The Saltwater Platinum Sailfin Molly (Poecilia latipinna) is one of the most underrated and hardworking algae eaters available for the reef aquarium. This striking platinum silver variant brings a shimmering, metallic presence to any system while putting in constant work — relentlessly grazing hair algae, biofilm, diatoms, and detritus from rockwork, glass, and substrate from the moment it is introduced. Unlike many algae-eating fish that need coaxing or pick selectively, a hungry Sailfin Molly gets straight to work and rarely stops.

What makes the Sailfin Molly truly unique in the saltwater hobby is its biology. As a species native to brackish coastal habitats across the southeastern United States, Poecilia latipinna is one of the only fish capable of completing its entire life cycle in full marine salinity — meaning it can thrive long-term in a reef tank without compromise. Our Platinum Sailfin Mollies are fully saltwater acclimated before they ship, so there is no lengthy transition process on your end. Males display an impressive large sail-like dorsal fin that fans open dramatically during display, adding genuine visual interest alongside their practical algae-eating function.

As a livebearer, a healthy pair or group of Sailfin Mollies may naturally reproduce in your system, with fry occasionally appearing in sumps and refugiums. They also carry zero risk of introducing saltwater-specific parasites or diseases — a meaningful advantage over fish sourced directly from the ocean.

Available Options

Saltwater Platinum Sailfin Molly — Single

One healthy, fully saltwater-acclimated Platinum Sailfin Molly

Ready to introduce directly to your marine system — no freshwater transition needed

Immediately active and grazing upon introduction

Care Information

🌡️ Temperature
74–80°F — stable temps preferred

🧂 Salinity
1.023–1.026 — fully marine capable

🐠 Temperament
Peaceful — reef safe, avoid aggressive tankmates

⚙️ Care Level
Easy — hardy and adaptable

🍽️ Diet
Omnivore — algae, biofilm, detritus, prepared foods

🌊 Water Flow
Low to Moderate — avoid strong direct flow

Special Considerations

Sailfin Mollies prefer calmer water conditions — avoid placing them in high-flow zones where strong current will stress them and reduce grazing activity. They do best with plenty of live rock and some lower-flow areas to retreat to. Keep with peaceful tankmates — their long, flowing fins can invite nipping from more aggressive fish. Avoid overfeeding prepared foods, as a well-fed molly will graze algae less actively. Males can occasionally show mild aggression toward each other. As a livebearer, fry may appear in your sump or refugium — a welcome bonus for systems with mandarins or other copepod-dependent fish.

🔍 Aquarium Insights

The Saltwater Platinum Sailfin Molly is a uniquely versatile addition to any reef or display system:

One of the only fish in the hobby that can complete its entire life cycle in full marine salinity — a true saltwater fish in every practical sense

Cannot introduce saltwater parasites or pathogens — a significant biosecurity advantage over wild-caught marine fish

A shimmering, active display fish that earns its place every single day through constant, reliable algae control

Learn More

For detailed species information, compatibility, and care tips, visit our Species Library.

Livestock Disclaimer
Due to natural variation, the fish you receive may vary slightly in fin size, coloration, and markings. Males and females differ in dorsal fin size — sex cannot be guaranteed unless specified.

Algae-eating behavior may vary depending on the individual fish and available food sources in the system.

As with all live animals, proper acclimation and a stable, established environment are essential for best results.