Lyretail Molly
Mollies are hardy livebearers that can live in a freshwater aquarium or a brackish water aquarium. AquariumFish.com recommends a school of three or more with at least one male. Lyretail mollies have caudal (tail) fins shaped like the ancient lyre musical instrument.
We will do our best to accommodate special requests for colors but cannot guarantee a perfect match.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Poecilia sphenops (aquarium-bred hybrids) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Mexico and Central America (wild ancestors); aquarium-bred |
| Care Level | Easy, good for beginners |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Adult Size | Up to 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) |
FAQ
What is the ideal group size for Lyretail Mollies?
AquariumFish.com recommends a school of three or more with at least one male to ensure social well-being and natural behavior.
Can Lyretail Mollies live in brackish water?
Yes, Lyretail Mollies can thrive in both freshwater and brackish water aquariums.
Are Lyretail Mollies suitable for beginners?
Yes, they are considered easy to care for and are recommended for beginners due to their hardy nature and peaceful temperament.

Ruth Lee –
I bought a group of Lyretail Mollies for my 20-gallon tank. They are very active and the tail fins are quite striking. They’ve been peaceful and adapted well to the water conditions. I’m happy with the color and movement.
Megan Vaughan –
The fish arrived healthy and the tail shape is exactly as described. I have three males and one female, and they seem to get along well. A bit of color variation was expected, but it’s still beautiful.
Piers King –
Easy to maintain and very lively. I didn’t have much experience with livebearers before, but these mollies are calm and don’t stress other fish. The tail fins are a real highlight.