Balloon White Lyretail Molly (Poecilia sphenops)

Pure, Elegant, and Gracefully Finned

The Balloon White Lyretail Molly (Poecilia sphenops) is a refined and striking fancy livebearer that combines the rounded balloon body form with a flowing forked lyretail caudal fin and a clean, bright white colouration. Luminous under aquarium lighting and beautifully contrasted against dark substrates or lush green plantings, this variety brings a sense of calm elegance to any community or livebearer aquarium.

Hardy, peaceful, and easy to keep, the Balloon White Lyretail Molly is an excellent choice for aquarists of all experience levels.

Overview

Appearance

The balloon body gives this molly its signature deep, rounded profile with an arched back — compact and distinctive compared to standard mollies. The lyretail caudal fin extends into elegant forked lobes that flow and trail gracefully as the fish moves. The uniform white colouration, sometimes with a subtle pearlescent sheen, gives this variety a clean, sophisticated look that pairs beautifully with colourful tankmates and planted aquascapes alike.

Water Parameters & Tank Setup

• Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)
• pH: 7.5 – 8.5 (alkaline water preferred)
• General Hardness (GH): 10 – 25 dGH (hard water)
• Tank Size: 75 L (20 gallons) minimum
• Salt: Tolerates and benefits from a small amount of aquarium salt (1 tsp per 10 L); can adapt to brackish conditions
• Filtration: Moderate flow with good oxygenation; mollies are sensitive to poor water quality
• Plants & Decor: Hardy plants like Java fern, Anubias, and Vallisneria; open swimming space appreciated

Diet & Feeding

• Staple: High-quality flake food or pellets with vegetable content
• Treats: Blanched spinach, zucchini, spirulina wafers, baby brine shrimp, and daphnia

Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily. Mollies are omnivores with a strong herbivorous tendency — vegetable-based foods are important for long-term health.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

• Other mollies, platies, and swordtails
• Peaceful community fish of similar size
• Corydoras and peaceful bottom dwellers
• Avoid fin-nipping species — the lyretail fins are vulnerable

Breeding

Livebearers that breed readily. Females give birth to live fry every 4–6 weeks. Provide floating plants or a breeding box to protect fry from adults. Fry are relatively large at birth and can accept crushed flake food from day one.

The Balloon White Lyretail Molly is a graceful, low-maintenance fish that brings purity, elegance, and gentle movement to any freshwater aquarium. A new arrival — limited stock available.