Fig. 273a. Mollienisia sphenops (Cuvier and Valenciennes) Orange-tail varieties 



Mollienisia sphenops, occurring on the Gulf Coast to Venezuela, and exhibiting a con- 

 siderable variation in color and size, is always hardy, active, prolific and good-looking. 



The dorsal fin has fewer rays than either .1/. velifera or M. latipinna. The easiest 

 point of identification is the fact that the fin has its beginning at about the highest 

 point en the back. The fin on the other two popular species begins well forward, close 

 to the head. 



All Mollienisias are live-bearers, and are benefitted by occasional feedings of bits of 

 scalded spinach. 



254a 



