Gold Lyretail

Appearance:

• Body Coloration: The Gold Lyretail Molly has a bright yellow or golden body, often with a metallic sheen. The intense golden color makes it a standout in any aquarium.
• Lyretail Shape: The defining feature is its lyretail, a long, forked tail with extended, pointed ends that resemble the shape of a lyre. This feature adds grace and beauty to the fish’s movements.
• Fin Structure: In addition to the lyretail, these mollies may also have an extended dorsal fin for a more dramatic appearance.

Size:

• Gold Lyretail Mollies typically grow to be about 3-4 inches (7-10 cm), with larger individuals reaching up to 5 inches in well-maintained tanks.

Lifespan:

• With proper care, Gold Lyretail Mollies can live for 3-5 years, though they may live longer in optimal conditions.

Behavior:

• Peaceful and Social: Like other mollies, Gold Lyretail Mollies are peaceful, active fish. They thrive when kept in groups of 3 or more, which helps reduce stress and encourages natural behavior.
• Livebearers: Female Gold Lyretail Mollies give birth to live young, known as fry, instead of laying eggs. They can give birth to 10-100 fry every 4-6 weeks.

Habitat & Tank Requirements:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended, though larger tanks are ideal, especially if you plan to keep them in schools or with other species.
• Water Parameters: Gold Lyretail Mollies prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH of 7.5-8.5 and a temperature between 72-82°F (22-28°C).
• Brackish Water: These mollies thrive in slightly brackish water, so adding a small amount of aquarium salt can improve their health and vitality.
• Aquarium Setup: A well-planted tank with plenty of open swimming space is ideal. Provide plants, rocks, or decorations to mimic their natural habitat while ensuring there’s room for them to swim freely.

Diet:

• Omnivores: Gold Lyretail Mollies are omnivores and require a varied diet that includes:
  • High-quality flakes or pellets designed for tropical fish.
  • Vegetables: Blanched spinach, zucchini, and peas are great for their digestive health.
  • Live or frozen foods: Brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms can be offered occasionally to provide protein.
  • They also graze on algae, contributing to tank cleanliness.

Breeding:

• Gold Lyretail Mollies are prolific breeders, and females can give birth to fry every 4-6 weeks. The fry are born fully formed but are at risk of being eaten by adults, so providing plenty of plants or a breeding box will help protect them.
• When breeding Gold Lyretail Mollies, selecting individuals with well-defined lyretail traits helps ensure their offspring carry on this beautiful feature.

Tank Mates:

• Gold Lyretail Mollies are peaceful and do well with other non-aggressive fish. Good tank mates include:
  • Guppies
  • Platies
  • Swordtails
  • Tetras
  • Corydoras catfish
• Avoid housing them with aggressive species or fin-nippers like barbs or certain cichlids, as they may damage the mollies' long, flowing fins.

Water Tolerance:

• These mollies are adaptable to various water conditions, but they thrive in slightly brackish water. Adding aquarium salt helps mimic their natural habitat and keeps them healthy.
• Regular water changes and efficient filtration are necessary to maintain clean water, as they are sensitive to poor water quality.

Health and Care:

• Common health issues include Ich, fin rot, and fungal infections, often caused by poor water conditions. Regular tank maintenance and monitoring of water parameters help prevent these illnesses.
• Providing a balanced diet and a stable environment is essential for their long-term health.

Temperament and Compatibility:

• Gold Lyretail Mollies are known for their calm, easy-going nature, which makes them suitable for community tanks with other peaceful fish.
• Their hardy nature makes them a good choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists.