Lyretail Molly

Poecilia sphenops

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii

Variety of Molly · lyretail

📍 Mexico

A fin-shape variety of the common molly selectively bred so that the upper and lower rays of the caudal fin extend outward into elegant, lyre-shaped points. This fin variety can be combined with any body color; the long fins require clean water to avoid fin rot, and fin-nipping tankmates should be avoided.

Size3"

Min Tank20g

School3+

peaceful

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Lyretail mollies are omnivorous and should be fed high-quality flake food or pellets as a staple, supplemented 2-3 times weekly with frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia. They also benefit from vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or algae wafers. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes.

Behavior

Lyretail mollies are peaceful, active swimmers that spend most of their time in mid-water zones. They are social fish that do best in groups of at least 3, preferring slightly alkaline water with good water movement. Males may display territorial behavior toward each other, so maintaining a higher female-to-male ratio is recommended.

Breeding

Lyretail mollies are livebearers that breed readily in captivity, with females producing 20-100 fry every 4-6 weeks. Breeding occurs spontaneously in established tanks with stable conditions; fry should be separated into a nursery tank or heavily planted areas to prevent predation by adults. Selective breeding for fin shape requires careful pairing and culling.

Tank Mates

Guppy

Similar size, peaceful temperament, and compatible water parameters make guppies ideal companions

excellent

Platy

Closely related livebearer with matching care requirements and peaceful behavior

excellent

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae eaters that occupy different water zones and have compatible water needs

good

Ramshorn Snail

Peaceful invertebrate that helps control algae without competing for food or space

good

Neon Tetra

Small tetras can work but may be nipped by aggressive males; ensure adequate space and vegetation

caution

Common Diseases

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed, torn, or disintegrating fins; white or black edges on fin tissue; progressive fin deterioration

Treatment

Perform 25-30% water changes every 2-3 days, maintain pristine water quality, remove fin-nippers, and treat with aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or antibacterial medication if severe

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots resembling salt grains on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against objects, lethargy

Treatment

Raise water temperature gradually to 28-30°C (82-86°F), treat with aquarium salt or commercial ich medication for 7-10 days, perform daily water changes, and ensure good aeration

Velvet Disease (Oodinium)

Symptoms

Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, clamped fins, lethargy, loss of appetite

Treatment

Increase water temperature to 28-30°C (82-86°F), dim lighting to slow parasite reproduction, treat with copper-free medication or salt, and perform daily partial water changes

Dropsy

Symptoms

Swollen abdomen, protruding scales (pinecone appearance), lethargy, loss of appetite, pale coloration

Treatment

Isolate affected fish immediately, maintain excellent water quality with frequent changes, treat with antibacterial medication, and provide high-quality food; prognosis is often poor if advanced