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Sulphur molly (Poecilia sulphuraria) — Poeciliidae

Sulphur molly

Poecilia sulphuraria
Family: Poeciliidae
VU · Vulnerable

The Sulphur molly (Poecilia sulphuraria) 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
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Mexico

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Description

The Sulphur molly is a livebearing molly (Poeciliidae) from fresh and brackish water of sulphidic springs of Tabasco in southern Mexico. The species grows to about 5 cm. It is adapted to toxic, hydrogen-sulphide-rich spring water. 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. Due to its very restricted range the species is vulnerable. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sulphur molly?

The Sulphur molly has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Sulphur molly live?

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

How big does the Sulphur molly get?

The Sulphur molly grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Sulphur molly dangerous to humans?

No, the Sulphur 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Sulphur molly sourced
Scientific name
Poecilia sulphuraria
Family
Poeciliidae
Other names
Sulphur molly; Molly del Teapa verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) 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

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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