Black Lyretail Molly – Poecilia latipinna
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The Black Lyretail Molly (Poecilia latipinna) is a beautiful freshwater livebearer known for its sleek black coloration and elegant lyre-shaped tail. Peaceful, active, and hardy, this molly variety makes a striking addition to larger community aquariums.
Black Lyretail Mollies are excellent fish for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Their solid black color stands out beautifully against green aquarium plants, light substrate, and colorful tankmates. They are active swimmers that do best in stable, well-maintained aquariums with good filtration and open swimming space.
Key Features
- Sleek solid black coloration
- Elegant lyre-shaped tail
- Peaceful and active livebearer
- Hardy and beginner-friendly
- Great for larger freshwater community aquariums
Care Information
- Scientific Name: Poecilia latipinna
- Common Name: Black Lyretail Molly
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful and active
- Adult Size: Approximately 3–4 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 20+ gallons recommended
- Temperature: 72–82°F
- pH: 7.0–8.5
- Water Hardness: Medium to hard water preferred
- Diet: Omnivore; offer quality flakes, pellets, algae-based foods, spirulina, blanched vegetables, and occasional frozen or live foods
Tank Setup
Black Lyretail Mollies do best in aquariums with stable water parameters, good filtration, and plenty of open swimming space. A planted aquarium with areas of cover and room to swim is ideal.
Mollies prefer harder, more alkaline water and can thrive in freshwater aquariums. They may also tolerate lightly brackish conditions when properly acclimated. Regular water changes are important because mollies are active fish and can produce a moderate amount of waste.
Diet & Feeding
Black Lyretail Mollies are omnivores that benefit from a varied diet. Feed quality flakes or pellets along with algae-based foods, spirulina, blanched vegetables, and occasional frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms.
Best Tankmates
Black Lyretail Mollies are peaceful community fish and do well with other livebearers such as guppies, platies, and swordtails. They can also be kept with peaceful tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, and other calm community fish that enjoy similar water conditions.
Avoid aggressive fish, fin-nippers, or species that prefer very soft, acidic water.
Breeding Information
Like all mollies, Black Lyretail Mollies are livebearers. Females give birth to free-swimming fry instead of laying eggs and may breed readily in a healthy aquarium.
For best results, keep more females than males to reduce chasing and stress. Dense plants, floating plants, or breeding boxes can help protect fry if you want to raise them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Black Lyretail Mollies good for beginners?
Yes. They are hardy and beginner-friendly when kept in stable water conditions with proper filtration and regular maintenance.
What makes Black Lyretail Mollies unique?
Their deep black coloration and elegant lyre-shaped tail make them stand out from standard molly varieties.
Do Black Lyretail Mollies need brackish water?
No. They can thrive in freshwater, but they may tolerate lightly brackish water when properly acclimated.
Are Black Lyretail Mollies livebearers?
Yes. Like other mollies, they give birth to live young and may breed readily in aquariums.
What is the best tank setup for Black Lyretail Mollies?
A planted aquarium with open swimming space, good filtration, stable temperature, and harder alkaline water is ideal.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Black Lyretail Mollies are a beautiful choice for aquarists looking for a peaceful, active, and hardy livebearer for a freshwater community aquarium. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, or shop online for freshwater fish, live plants, and aquarium supplies.
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