Black & Gold Lyretail Molly

Appearance:

• Body Coloration: The Black & Gold Lyretail Molly has a striking contrast of black and gold on its body. The front portion, especially the head and upper body, tends to be golden, while the back half transitions into a deep black. Some individuals may have a more blended transition between the two colors.
• Lyretail Shape: One of the defining features of this molly is its lyretail—a long, flowing tail fin that is shaped like a lyre (a musical instrument). The tail edges are long and pointed, giving the fish a more elegant and graceful appearance.
• Fin Structure: Males often have longer, more pointed fins compared to females.

Size:

• Like other mollies, the Black & Gold Lyretail Molly typically grows to about 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) in length, with some larger varieties reaching up to 5 inches.

Lifespan:

• They live for about 3-5 years on average, depending on the care and tank conditions.

Behavior:

• These fish are peaceful and get along well in community tanks with other non-aggressive species.
• They are active swimmers and enjoy being in groups, so it’s best to keep them in schools of at least 3-5 fish.
• Like other mollies, they are livebearers, meaning females give birth to live fry instead of laying eggs.

Habitat & Tank Requirements:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a small group of Black & Gold Lyretail Mollies, with larger tanks preferred to allow for more space and better water quality.
• Water Parameters: These mollies prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH of 7.5-8.5 and a temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C).
• Brackish Water: They can tolerate slightly brackish water (adding a small amount of aquarium salt), which can help keep them healthy.
• Aquarium Setup: Provide plants, open swimming areas, and some hiding spots. Mollies appreciate a well-planted tank but also need room to swim.

Diet:

• Black & Gold Lyretail Mollies are omnivores. Their diet should include:
  • High-quality flakes or pellets designed for tropical fish.
  • Vegetables like blanched zucchini, spinach, or algae wafers.
  • Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms to provide extra protein.
  • They also enjoy grazing on algae in the tank, contributing to natural algae control.

Breeding:

• Like other mollies, Black & Gold Lyretail Mollies are prolific breeders. Females can give birth to 10-100 fry every 4-6 weeks.
• If breeding is intended, it’s important to provide plenty of cover for the fry, as adults may eat the young.
• Separation of fry in a breeding tank or using a breeding box can increase their survival rate.

Tank Mates:

• These mollies do well with other peaceful, similarly sized fish. Ideal tank mates include:
  • Guppies
  • Platies
  • Swordtails
  • Tetras
  • Corydoras catfish
  • Peaceful barbs
• Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species, as they may stress the mollies or damage their long, flowing tails.

Water Tolerance:

• Black & Gold Lyretail Mollies are adaptable to both freshwater and brackish water conditions. Adding a small amount of aquarium salt to freshwater tanks can improve their health and reduce the risk of diseases.
• Ensure good filtration and regular water changes, as mollies are sensitive to poor water quality.

Health and Care:

• They are generally hardy but, like other mollies, are prone to common freshwater fish ailments such as Ich, fin rot, or fungal infections if water quality is not maintained.
• Regular tank maintenance, along with monitoring water conditions, helps ensure they stay healthy.