Poecilia latipinna × velifera
Poecilia latipinna × velifera
(black molly)
Fishes
Exotic Hybrid
Collection Info
Point Map
Species Profile
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Poecilia latipinna × velifera
Common name: black molly
Native Range: None; hybrid.
Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Nonindigenous Occurrences:

Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Poecilia latipinna × velifera are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
FL197019746Alafia; Everglades; Little Manatee; South Atlantic-Gulf Region; Tampa Bay; Upper St. Johns
IN200720071Upper White
NV196219621Upper Amargosa

Table last updated 4/12/2025

† Populations may not be currently present.
Ecology: Similar to parental species.
Means of Introduction: Likely aquarium release or escape from tropical fish farms.
Status: Unknown (but likely failed) in most locations. Shafland et al. (2008) do not mention this as a permanently established species in Florida.
Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.
Remarks: There are many hybrid varieties of several different Poecilia species (including P. latipinna, P. mexicana, P. sphenops, and P. velifera) that are collectively known as 'black mollies'. Also, P. latipinna produces semi-melanistic individuals in its native range.

No voucher specimens exist.
References: (click for full references)

Buntz, J., and P. Chapman. 1970. A preliminary report on the increasing establishment of non-native fish in the Tampa Bay area. Unpublished report for the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. 6pp.

Courtenay, W.R., Jr., H.F. Sahlman, W.W. Miley, and D.J. Herrema. 1974. Exotic fishes in fresh and brackish waters of Florida. Biological Conservation 6(4):292-302.

LaRivers, I. 1962. Fishes and fisheries of Nevada. Nevada State Print Office, Carson City, NV.

Shafland, P.L., K.B. Gestring, and M.S. Stanford. 2008. Florida's Exotic Freshwater Fishes - 2007. Florida Scientist 71(3):220-245.

Other Resources:
Fact Sheet for Poecilia latipinna - USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database
Author: Matt Neilson, and Bill Loftus
Revision Date: 5/9/2019
Peer Review Date: 9/17/2012

Citation Information:
Matt Neilson, and Bill Loftus, 2025, Poecilia latipinna × velifera: U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=859, Revision Date: 5/9/2019, Peer Review Date: 9/17/2012, Access Date: 4/12/2025

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.

Disclaimer:

The data represented on this site vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. We highly recommend reviewing metadata files prior to interpreting these data.

Citation information: U.S. Geological Survey. [2025]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [4/12/2025].

Contact us if you are using data from this site for a publication to make sure the data are being used appropriately and for potential co-authorship if warranted.

For general information and questions about the database, contact Wesley Daniel. For problems and technical issues, contact Matthew Neilson.



Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.



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