Black Lyretail Molly – Poecilia sphenops
Black Lyretail Molly – Poecilia sphenops
Key Specs
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About this item
Black Lyretail Molly
The Black Lyretail Molly (Poecilia sphenops) is a striking and elegant livebearer known for its deep jet-black coloration and beautifully extended lyre-shaped tail fins. The elongated upper and lower tail rays create a graceful, flowing appearance that makes this fish stand out in any aquarium.
This variety is both hardy and beginner-friendly, making it a popular choice for community aquariums. Black Lyretail Mollies are active swimmers and display their best colors and finnage when kept in well-maintained tanks with stable water conditions.
Why Aquarists Love Black Lyretail Mollies
• Elegant lyre-shaped tail fins
• Deep solid black coloration
• Hardy and easy to care for
• Great for community aquariums
Behavior & Compatibility
Black Lyretail Mollies are peaceful and social fish that do well in community tanks.
Suitable tank mates include:
• Tetras
• Platies
• Guppies
• Corydoras catfish
• Other peaceful community fish
They are generally safe with shrimp and most non-aggressive species.
Ideal Aquarium Setup
Mollies prefer aquariums with good water quality and moderate swimming space.
Recommended aquarium features include:
• Open swimming areas
• Live plants and décor
• Moderate water flow
• Optional slightly brackish conditions (not required but tolerated)
Diet and Feeding
Black Lyretail Mollies are omnivores with a strong herbivorous preference.
Recommended foods include:
• High-quality flakes or pellets
• Algae-based foods
• Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach)
• Occasional frozen foods like brine shrimp
A balanced diet helps maintain color and fin health.
Recommended Tank Parameters
Temperature: 72 – 82°F (22 – 28°C)
pH: 7.0 – 8.5
KH: 10 – 25 dKH
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Size Information
Average Adult Size:
3 – 4 inches (7.5 – 10 cm)
Typical Sale Size:
1.5 – 2.5 inches (4 – 6 cm)
Origin
The Black Lyretail Molly is a selectively bred aquarium strain, derived from wild molly species native to Central and South America.
Add elegance and flowing beauty to your aquarium with the Black Lyretail Molly, a hardy and attractive livebearer perfect for freshwater community tanks. 🐟
Reviews
Customers are saying
Customers express satisfaction with this fish's vibrant coloration and healthy arrival condition. The elegant fin structure is frequently praised as a standout feature. Some buyers note that the fish can be a picky eater initially but adjusts well over time. Overall, reviewers recommend this as an excellent centerpiece fish for medium to large aquariums.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
Top Mentions
Beautiful addition to my reef!
The fish arrived in perfect condition. Packaging was triple insulated with heat packs. Acclimation was smooth and it was eating frozen mysis within 2 hours of introduction. AquaEditorial never disappoints.
Great value for the price
Exactly as described. Fast shipping and very well packed.
Good but picky eater
Beautiful specimen, arrived healthy. Takes a while to adjust to new food but eventually started eating pellets. Great addition to my South American cichlid tank.
FAQs
What temperature should I keep the tank at for this fish?
Great question! We recommend maintaining a water temperature of 82–86°F (28–30°C). Discus are tropical fish and thrive in warm, stable water conditions. A reliable heater with a thermostat is essential.
Can I keep this with other fish in a community tank?
Yes! Discus are peaceful and social. They do best with calm tank mates like Cardinal Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, and Corydoras Catfish. Avoid aggressive or fast-moving fish that may stress them.
What size tank do I need for a small group?
We recommend a minimum of 55 gallons for a small group of discus. They need spacious aquariums with open swimming areas, live plants, driftwood, and gentle filtration.
What should I feed them?
Discus are omnivores and benefit from a varied diet. We recommend high-quality discus pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and beef heart mixes. A varied diet helps maintain vibrant coloration.
Do you guarantee live arrival?
Absolutely! All live fish are shipped with our 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. If there are any issues upon delivery, contact us within 2 hours with photos and we'll make it right.
