Golden LyreTail Molly (Poecilia sphenops – Golden LyreTail Variety)
The Golden LyreTail Molly is a selectively bred livebearer known for its striking golden body and long, flowing lyre-shaped tail fins. Mollies are hardy, active, and adaptable fish, making them a favourite for both beginner and experienced aquarists. The LyreTail variety adds extra elegance and visual appeal to community aquariums.
Size & Lifespan
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Adult Size: 6–8 cm (males slightly smaller than females)
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Lifespan: 3–5 years with good care
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Temperament: Peaceful, active, and social
They thrive in groups and are more confident and colourful when kept with other mollies.
Appearance
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Bright golden body colour
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Lyre-shaped, flowing caudal fin (longer in males)
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Males are more colourful and have elongated dorsal fins
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Females are larger, rounder, and less flamboyant
Their elegant fins and shimmering golden colour make them a showpiece species for community tanks.
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 24–28°C
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pH: 7.0–8.5 (slightly alkaline preferred)
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Hardness: Moderately hard (10–25 dGH)
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Minimum Tank Size: 40L for a small group
They are hardy and tolerate a range of conditions, but stable water improves colour and health.
Tank Setup
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Substrate: Sand, gravel, or bare bottom
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Plants: Live or artificial plants for cover
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Decorations: Driftwood or rocks for enrichment
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Filtration: Moderate flow, well-oxygenated water
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Lighting: Moderate to bright to enhance golden colour
Provide open swimming areas alongside plants to allow free movement and display of fins.
Tank Mates
Compatible species:
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Other peaceful livebearers (guppies, platies)
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Tetras
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Corydoras catfish
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Rasboras
Avoid:
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Aggressive or large predatory fish
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Fin-nipping species
Golden LyreTail Mollies are social and get along well with other peaceful fish.
Feeding
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High-quality flake food
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Sinking pellets or micro pellets
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Frozen or live foods: brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms
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Occasional vegetable matter (blanched spinach or zucchini)
A varied diet keeps colours bright and promotes health.
Breeding
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Livebearer; females give birth to free-swimming fry
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Extremely prolific; females can produce 20–80 fry every 4–6 weeks
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Provide plants or breeding grass for fry to hide
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Fry can be fed crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp
Breeding is easy, making them ideal for aquarists interested in selective breeding or expanding their stock.
Why Choose Golden LyreTail Molly?
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Stunning golden colour with long, flowing fins
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Hardy and easy to care for
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Peaceful, active, and social
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Excellent for community tanks and breeding projects
Golden LyreTail Mollies are a beautiful, lively addition to any tropical aquarium, offering elegance, colour, and ease of care.