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The Black Lyretail Molly (Poecilia sphenops) is a powerhouse addition to any freshwater or brackish aquarium, blending high-impact aesthetics with essential utility. Featuring a deep, velvet-black coloration and an elegant, elongated lyre-shaped caudal fin, this industrious livebearer is a master of the "surface management" era of fish keeping—serving as a natural biological control for surface films and various types of nuisance algae. It is a dedicated grazer of the glass and leaf surfaces, making it a functional cornerstone of a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
This hardy fish thrives in established systems with stable water parameters and benefit significantly from the addition of aquarium salt or brackish conditions. While generally peaceful and ideal for community tanks, its bold personality and constant activity make it a standout resident, as it tirelessly searches for algae and uneaten food. To ensure long-term health, provide a diet heavy in vegetable matter, such as high-quality spirulina flakes, supplemented with frozen Mysis or brine shrimp. Ensure your aquarium is well-maintained with regular water changes, as mollies are most vibrant in clean, hard water with a higher pH.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size: 20–30 Gallons
Diet: Omnivore
Plant Compatible: Yes
Max Size: 4–5 Inches
Water Conditions: 70 to 82°F, KH 10 to 25, pH 7.5 to 8.5
The Black Lyretail Molly is a strategic choice for hobbyists looking for "sophisticated contrast" and active grazing. Its specialized lyre tail adds a layer of graceful movement to the mid-to-upper water column that distinguishes it from standard molly varieties. In the context of modern fish keeping, it is widely considered an essential "utility livebearer" for maintaining a clean aesthetic in planted or hardscaped tanks. For maximum success, provide an environment with moderate water flow and stable alkalinity to facilitate its natural vitality and prolific breeding behaviors.
We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
The Black Lyretail Molly (Poecilia sphenops) is a powerhouse addition to any freshwater or brackish aquarium, blending high-impact aesthetics with essential utility. Featuring a deep, velvet-black coloration and an elegant, elongated lyre-shaped caudal fin, this industrious livebearer is a master of the "surface management" era of fish keeping—serving as a natural biological control for surface films and various types of nuisance algae. It is a dedicated grazer of the glass and leaf surfaces, making it a functional cornerstone of a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
This hardy fish thrives in established systems with stable water parameters and benefit significantly from the addition of aquarium salt or brackish conditions. While generally peaceful and ideal for community tanks, its bold personality and constant activity make it a standout resident, as it tirelessly searches for algae and uneaten food. To ensure long-term health, provide a diet heavy in vegetable matter, such as high-quality spirulina flakes, supplemented with frozen Mysis or brine shrimp. Ensure your aquarium is well-maintained with regular water changes, as mollies are most vibrant in clean, hard water with a higher pH.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size: 20–30 Gallons
Diet: Omnivore
Plant Compatible: Yes
Max Size: 4–5 Inches
Water Conditions: 70 to 82°F, KH 10 to 25, pH 7.5 to 8.5
The Black Lyretail Molly is a strategic choice for hobbyists looking for "sophisticated contrast" and active grazing. Its specialized lyre tail adds a layer of graceful movement to the mid-to-upper water column that distinguishes it from standard molly varieties. In the context of modern fish keeping, it is widely considered an essential "utility livebearer" for maintaining a clean aesthetic in planted or hardscaped tanks. For maximum success, provide an environment with moderate water flow and stable alkalinity to facilitate its natural vitality and prolific breeding behaviors.
We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
