Reference Guide > Montana Fish Field Guide > Livebearers > Shortfin Molly
Shortfin Molly - Poecilia mexicana
Exotic Species (not native to montana)
Global Rank: G5
State Rank: SNA
Agency Status
USFWS: none
USFS: none
BLM: none
CFWCS Tier: 4
General Description
This tropical aquarium fish is an illegally released pet fish. The native range is southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Diagnostic Characteristics
Specimens from Montana waters have been nearly all black or heavily blotched with black on body and fins. Some have orange on tail fin.
Distribution
Montana Range
Introduced Not Established
Habitat
Can exist in Montana only in warm springs of ponds and streams resulting from these.
Food Habits
Diet varied. Feeds on both plant and animal matter. Vascular plants and mosquito larvae are important items in the diet.
Reproductive Characteristics
Reaches Sexual maturity at 1.5 - 2 in. in length. Under suitable conditions may produce several broods a year. Fertilization internal; young born alive.
Citations & Sources
Holton, G. D. 2003. A field guide to Montana fishes. Mont. Dept. Fish, Wildl. Parks, 95 pp.
Citation for data on this website:
Shortfin Molly — Poecilia mexicana. Montana Field Guide. Retrieved on February 2, 2009, from http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/detail_AFCNC04030.aspx
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