Lyretail Silver Balloon Molly

Introduction

The Lyretail Silver Balloon Molly is a popular and attractive freshwater fish, known for its striking silver body and unique lyretail fin. This variety of Balloon Molly features a rounded, compact body and beautiful, flowing fins that are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to community aquariums. They are relatively easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for both beginner and intermediate aquarists.

Scientific Name

Poecilia sphenops

Common Name

• Lyretail Silver Balloon Molly

• Balloon Molly

Water Quality and Temperature

Lyretail Silver Balloon Mollies are hardy fish, but they do require stable and clean water to thrive. They are very adaptable to different water conditions, but it’s best to keep their environment as close to their natural habitat as possible.

• Temperature: 72°F – 82°F (22°C – 28°C)

• pH Level: 7.0 – 8.5 (slightly alkaline water)

• Hardness: 10 – 25 dGH (moderately hard to hard water)

• Filtration: Moderate filtration with some surface agitation is recommended.

• Water Changes: Regular weekly water changes of 20-30% will help maintain water quality.

Feeding

The Lyretail Silver Balloon Molly is an omnivorous species, and its diet should include a variety of both plant and animal-based foods.

• Preferred Diet:

  • High-quality flake food or pellet

  • Live or frozen foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia.

  • Algae, spirulina, and blanched vegetables such as zucchini or spinach

• Feeding Frequency: Offer food 2-3 times a day, only feeding as much as they can eat in a few minutes to prevent water quality issues.

Tank Mates

These mollies are peaceful, social fish and generally get along with other community tank mates. They should be kept with non-aggressive species to avoid stress.

• Compatible Tank Mates:

  • Peaceful fish like tetras, guppies, and small catfish

  • Other mollies and livebearers

  • Corydoras , small plecos, and other non-aggressive bottom dwellers

  • Shrimp or Snails

• Avoid:

  • Larger or more aggressive fish that may harass the mollies, like cichlids or larger predatory species

Substrates and Tank Decorations

Lyretail Silver Balloon Mollies prefer a well-planted aquarium with plenty of space to swim.

• Substrate:

  • A fine gravel or sandy substrate is ideal for these mollies, as they like to forage along the bottom.

• Tank Decorations:

  • Live plants like Java Fern, Anubias, or Amazon Sword provide shelter and help improve water quality.

  • Rocks and driftwood can be used to create hiding spots and encourage exploration.

  • Provide open swimming areas where they can show off their graceful fins.

Suitable Plants

Live plants are a good addition to the tank, as they provide hiding spots, improve water quality, and offer grazing opportunities.

• Best Plant Choices:

  • Hornwort

  • Floating plants like Water Sprite

  • Anubias

  • Java Fern

  • Amazon Sword

Sexing

Sexing Lyretail Silver Balloon Mollies is relatively easy, as males and females exhibit several differences in size and coloration.

• Males:

  • Smaller in size, typically reaching around 2-2.5 inches (5-6 cm)

  • Have a long, lyretail fin that is more prominent in males

  • Bright, more intense colorations

  • A gonopodium (modified anal fin) for mating

• Females:

  • Larger, typically growing to around 3-4 inches (7-10 cm)

  • Rounded bodies, especially when gravid (carrying eggs)

  • Less intense coloration than males

Breeding

Lyretail Silver Balloon Mollies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to fully-formed, free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs.

• Breeding Conditions:

  • Provide a tank with stable water conditions, a temperature around 78°F (25.5°C), and slightly alkaline water.

  • Mollies will breed in a community tank, but if you want to breed them successfully, providing a separate breeding tank or breeder box is recommended to protect the fry from being eaten by other fish.

  • Females can give birth to 20-50 fry every 4-6 weeks, depending on their health and environmental conditions.

• Fry Care:

  • Newborn fry are very small and should be fed fine foods such as liquid fry food or crushed flakes.

  • The fry will grow quickly if given the proper care and food.

Maximum Size and Longevity

• Size: The Lyretail Silver Balloon Molly typically grows to around 2.5 inches (6 cm) in length.

• Lifespan: With proper care, they can live up to 3-5 years.

General Information

Lyretail Silver Balloon Mollies are hardy, peaceful, and adaptable, making them an excellent choice for a variety of freshwater aquariums. Their striking silver coloration and graceful, lyretail fins make them stand out in community tanks. They are easy to care for and breed, which makes them perfect for hobbyists looking for an eye-catching, active fish that does well in groups.

A Fun Fact

The “balloon” in the name of the Lyretail Silver Balloon Molly comes from its unique, rounded body shape. This form results from selective breeding to create a more compact, rounded appearance. The balloon body gives these fish a very distinct look, making them a popular and visually striking addition to aquariums worldwide!