Description

The Lyretail Molly, known for its striking tail and colorful appearance, is a freshwater fish that captivates aquarium enthusiasts. Native to Central America, these fish are celebrated for their unique lyre-shaped caudal fins and peaceful demeanor. If you’re considering adding Lyretail Mollies to your aquarium, this guide will provide essential care tips, size information, tank mates, and more.

Lyretail Molly Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Poecilia sphenops
• Common Names: Lyretail Molly
• Family: Poeciliidae
• Origin: Central America (Panama, Costa Rica)
• Lifespan: 3–5 years (can live up to 8 years with optimal care)
• Maximum Length: 4–5 inches
• Type: Freshwater, with some saltwater tolerance

Appearance of the Lyretail Molly

Lyretail Mollies have a slender, torpedo-shaped body with a silver-greenish hue, accented by black lines running from the gills to the tail. Their long, flowing fins are their standout feature, especially the caudal fin, which is forked and extends beyond the other fins. Males are typically more colorful than females, displaying vibrant hues and intricate fin patterns. You can find them in various color morphs, including Dalmatian, platinum, black, and more.

Size of Lyretail Mollies

These fish typically reach a length of 4–5 inches, with females growing slightly larger than males. Males usually max out at about 3 inches. When born, Lyretail Molly fry are around half an inch, but they grow quickly and can reach up to 6 inches in length with proper care.

Tankmates for Lyretail Mollies

Lyretail Mollies are peaceful and social, making them great additions to community tanks. They thrive in the company of other non-aggressive fish with similar water requirements. Suitable tankmates include:

• Guppies
• Platies
• Endlers
• Swordtails
• Corydoras Catfish
• Tetras (Neon or Ember Tetras)
• Danios
• Other Mollies (same species)

These species share similar temperature and pH preferences, which promotes a harmonious tank environment.

Lyretail Molly Temperament and Behavior

Known for their peaceful nature, Lyretail Mollies enjoy the company of their own kind. They are active swimmers and prefer tanks with ample space to explore, as well as hiding spots like plants and rocks. Observing their lively behavior adds a delightful dynamic to any aquarium.

Care Requirements for Lyretail Mollies

Habitat and Water Conditions:
Lyretail Mollies are native to calm, warm coastal waters, thriving in temperatures between 72–82°F and a pH of 7.5–8.5. Maintain a water hardness of 10–30 dGH and alkalinity of 4–12 dKH.

Diet:
These omnivores eat a mix of algae, small invertebrates, and plant matter. In captivity, a diet of high-quality flakes or pellets, supplemented with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or daphnia, is ideal. Feed them small portions several times a day to avoid overfeeding and water quality issues.

Common Diseases:
Lyretail Mollies are susceptible to diseases such as Ich (white spot disease), fin rot, velvet disease, and swim bladder disorder. Ensuring clean water and avoiding overcrowding can help prevent these health problems.

Breeding Lyretail Mollies

Lyretail Mollies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry instead of laying eggs. Breeding is relatively straightforward. It’s recommended to keep one male for every three females to ensure a stable breeding environment. A separate nursery tank is advised for pregnant females to prevent stress and protect the fry from cannibalism. After birth, the fry should be fed finely ground fish food and given hiding spots to grow safely.

Male vs. Female Lyretail Mollies

Males are typically smaller and more colorful, with longer, more pointed anal fins (called a gonopodium), while females are larger, rounder, and have a more subdued color pattern. Males tend to be more active and exhibit behaviors to attract females, such as chasing and displaying their vibrant colors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Lyretail Mollies Should Be In a Tank Together?
At least five Lyretail Mollies should be kept together to ensure they feel secure and maintain social harmony. For larger aquariums (25–40 gallons), you can keep a few more, but always ensure adequate space for swimming.

Are Lyretail Mollies Aggressive?
Lyretail Mollies are peaceful but may show some territorial behavior, particularly males during mating season. They are generally well-suited for community tanks when paired with compatible species.

Do Lyretail Mollies Eat Algae?
Yes, Lyretail Mollies do eat algae, especially soft algae. While they won’t completely eradicate algae growth, they can help manage it in the aquarium.

In summary, the Lyretail Molly is a beautiful, peaceful fish that adds color and movement to any aquarium. With the right care, tankmates, and environment, these fish can thrive and live for years, providing joy to aquarium enthusiasts.