Red Lyretail Molly

The Red Lyretail Molly (Poecilia sphenops) is a vibrant and eye-catching livebearer known for its rich red coloration and distinctive lyre-shaped tail. These beautiful fish feature a deep red body that ranges from orange-red to crimson, complemented by elegant tail extensions that create a lyre-like appearance. Active, peaceful, and easy to care for, Red Lyretail Mollies add both intense color and sophistication to any community aquarium and make excellent centerpiece fish for peaceful setups.

Care Sheet – Red Lyretail Molly (Poecilia sphenops)

Temperament

• Peaceful, active, and social

• Best kept in groups with mixed genders or single-sex groups

Adult Size

• 3–4 inches (males with longer tail extensions)

Minimum Tank Size

• 20 gallons for a small group

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 75–82°F

• pH: 7.5–8.2 (prefers slightly alkaline water)

• Hardness: Moderate to hard (10–20 dGH)

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate: <20–30 ppm

Diet

• Omnivorous (leans toward herbivorous)

• Feed a varied diet:

  • High-quality flakes or pellets

  • Spirulina-based foods for vegetable matter

  • Color-enhancing foods to maintain vibrant red

• Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily

Behavior & Compatibility

• Excellent for peaceful community tanks

• Compatible with:

  • Other livebearers, peaceful tetras, rasboras

  • Corydoras and other peaceful bottom dwellers

  • Peaceful gouramis and rainbowfish

• Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species

Aquarium Setup

• Planted tanks with dark substrate to enhance red color

• Open swimming space to accommodate tail flow

• Gentle water flow to avoid damaging delicate tails

• Clean, well-oxygenated water

Care Level

• Easy

• Very hardy and beginner-friendly

Lifespan

• 3–5 years with proper care

Special Notes

• Rich red coloration with elegant lyre-shaped tail

• Males develop more elaborate tail extensions

• Colors intensify with proper diet and water conditions

• Breed readily in home aquariums