Fin's Fish Guide
The Para molly (Poecilia parae) is a brackish-water fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 3 cm.
Northern South America; fresh and brackish estuaries, swamps and streams.
Description
The parae is a small livebearer of the family Poeciliidae from northern South America. The species is small; males occur in several heritable colour morphs, making the species a model organism for the evolution of colour polymorphism. Like all poeciliids the female bears live young and the male fertilises internally with a gonopodium. It lives in fresh and brackish waters of estuaries, small swamps and shallow, slow-flowing creeks inland. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Para molly?
The Para molly has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Males in hereditary colour forms; model organism for the evolution of colour polymorphism.
Where does the Para molly live?
The Para molly lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northern South America; fresh and brackish estuaries, swamps and streams.
How big does the Para molly get?
The Para molly grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.
Is the Para molly dangerous to humans?
No, the Para molly is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Para molly edible?
The Para molly is not usually eaten.
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Status & sources
Same genus Poecilia
More from the family Poeciliidae
Want the complete picture on the Para molly?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Para molly is one of 12,519 species in the app.