egret (Egretta thula), and raccoon (Procyon lotor). Parasites The trematode Saccocoelioides sogandaresi is a known parasite of the sailfin molly, as is the ciliated protozoan Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, which causes the disease commonly known as freshwater white spot, freshwater ich, or freshwater ick. Importance to humans The sailfin molly, in its many color varieties, is of considerable interest and value to aquarists, and many artificially selected varieties are produced and sold in pet shops. Wild sailfin mollies are also bred as feeder fish for larger carnivorous fish, though usually guppies are used for that. Naturally occurring populations control mosquito populations by feeding on the larvae and pupae of these pests. Conservation This species is listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). References sailfin molly Freshwater fish of the Southeastern United States Fish of Mexico Ovoviviparous fish Taxa named by Charles Alexandre Lesueur sailfin molly Freshwater fish of North America