Scientific Name
Poecilia mexicana

Common Name
Shortfin molly

Biology
Occurs in warm springs and their effluents, canals and weedy ditches, and stream pools (Ref. 5723). Food is mainly detritus (Ref. 36880). Some populations in caves (Ref. 27297).

Classification

Classified By

Steindachner, 1863

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines (Cyprinodontiformes)

Family

Poeciliids (Poeciliidae)

Distribution

Region

North and Central America

Distribution

North and Central America: Rio San Juan, Mexico to Guatemala. At least one country reports adverse ecological impact after introduction.

Range

19°N - 14°N

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

22 °C

Water Temperature To

28 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; brackish; ; pH range: 7.0 - 7.5; dH range: 20 - 30 benthopelagic; non-migratory

Trophic Level

2 s.e. 0.00 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

True

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

11.0 cm

Common Length

4.0 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial; bait: occasionally

Vulnerability

Low to moderate vulnerability (34 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Threat To Humans

Potential pest (Ref. 1982)

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated