Moon Tail Molly

The Lyretail Molly (Poecilia latipinna variety) is a vibrant, freshwater fish famous for its unique tail fin, which narrows at the center and flares out at the top and bottom to resemble a lyre (or a crescent moon). The specimen in your photo is a male (indicated by the large dorsal fin and the pointed stick-like fin under the belly) with brilliant orange coloration. Growing up to 10 cm (4 inches), they are active surface dwellers that help clean the tank by eating algae. They are “livebearers,” meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs. Now in stock

Category: Fishes

Description

1. Identification & Name

Scientific Name: Poecilia latipinna (Sailfin Molly variant).
Common Names: Lyretail Molly, Sailfin Molly, Moon Tail Molly (informal).
The “Lyretail”: The name comes from the tail shape, which mimics a “Lyre” (an ancient musical instrument) or a crescent moon. This is a genetic trait bred into the fish for aesthetics.

2. Appearance

Fins:
- Tail: The split tail with long trailing filaments is the defining feature.
- Dorsal (Top) Fin: Your photo shows a “Sailfin” variety. The male has a massive, magnificent top fin that he raises to impress females or intimidate rivals.
Color: This specific morph is a solid, glowing neon orange, making it stand out against green plants.
Gender: It is very easy to tell males from females. Males (like the one in the photo) have a gonopodium—a modified, stick-like anal fin used for mating. Females have a standard triangular fan-shaped anal fin.

3. Behavior & Social Structure

Activity: They are high-energy fish. They constantly swim around the tank, usually near the top, looking for food.
Temperament: Generally peaceful, but males can be aggressive chasers when trying to mate.
The Golden Ratio: Because males are relentless breeders, you should always keep 1 male for every 2–3 females. This spreads out the harassment so no single female gets stressed to death.

4. Water Requirements (Hard Water Lovers)

Hardness: Mollies are NOT soft water fish. They need hard, alkaline water (high pH and high mineral content) to thrive.
Salt: Mollies are unique because they can live in fresh, brackish, and even full saltwater! adding a little Aquarium Salt to their tank prevents diseases like “Shimmy” (where they shake in place) and Ich.
Temperature: Tropical, 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F).

5. Diet (Algae Eaters)

Omnivores: They eat everything, but they have a high requirement for plant matter.
Algae Control: They are famous for pecking at algae on rocks and plants.
Food: Feed them flake food with added Spirulina or blanched vegetables (like spinach or zucchini) to keep their digestive systems healthy.

6. Breeding

Livebearers: They do not lay eggs. The female gives birth to 20–100 fully formed baby fish (fry) roughly every 30 days.
Care: If you want the babies to survive, you must provide floating plants (like Hornwort) for them to hide in, or the parents will eat them.