Shortfin molly
(Poecilia mexicana)
Image source: Jackson | inaturalist.org
General data
Scientific names:
Shortfin molly
Habitat:
Freshwater
Climate:
Subtropical
Native:
North America
Distribution:
Colorado River (Gulf of California)
Poecilia mexicana, commonly known as the shortfin molly or Atlantic molly, is a species of poeciliid fish native to fresh and brackish water in Mexico and Guatemala, Rio San Juan. One population is found in caves and known as the cave molly.
The maximum standard length of this fish is 11 cm (4.3 in). It typically grows to a total length 4 cm (1.6 in).
The fish lives in tropical freshwater and brackish water habitats. The shortfin molly is considered benthopelagic. It lives in a pH range between 7.0 and 7.5 at temperatures between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius. The species does not migrate.
It is an invasive species in the Muddy River of Nevada, USA.
