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Broadspotted molly (Poecilia latipunctata) — Poeciliidae

Broadspotted molly

Poecilia latipunctata
Family: Poeciliidae
EN · Endangered
NativeIntroduced

The Broadspotted molly (Poecilia latipunctata) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Mexico
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Broadspotted molly is a livebearing molly (Poeciliidae) from fresh and brackish water of the Tamesi basin in northeastern Mexico. The species grows to about 5 cm. The body bears a few broad dark blotches. As a surface fish it lives in streams, pools and springs and eats algae, small invertebrates and detritus. The female gives birth to live young. Through habitat loss the species is endangered. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Broadspotted molly?

The Broadspotted molly has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Broadspotted molly live?

The Broadspotted molly lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. North America: Mexico

How big does the Broadspotted molly get?

The Broadspotted molly grows to a maximum of about 5 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.

Is the Broadspotted molly dangerous to humans?

No, the Broadspotted molly is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Broadspotted molly edible?

Yes, the Broadspotted molly is commonly eaten.

More photos

Broadspotted molly (Poecilia latipunctata) — Poeciliidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) marcourielvw, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Broadspotted molly (Poecilia latipunctata) — Poeciliidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — kjellnilsson1 (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Broadspotted molly sourced
Scientific name
Poecilia latipunctata
Family
Poeciliidae
Other names
Molly del Tamesi; Tamesi molly verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Average length (cm)
4.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: Mexico sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Poecilia

More from the family Poeciliidae

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