Balloon White-Orange Lyretail Molly (Poecilia sphenops)

Warm Gold, Graceful Fins, and a Rounded Silhouette

The Balloon White-Orange Lyretail Molly (Poecilia sphenops) is a radiant fancy livebearer that combines three of the most eye-catching molly traits in one fish — the deep, rounded balloon body, a flowing forked lyretail caudal fin, and a warm golden-orange colouration that glows under aquarium lighting. Peaceful, hardy, and beginner-friendly, this variety is a standout addition to any community or livebearer aquarium.

Its rich gold and orange tones make it a natural complement to planted tanks, particularly against dark substrates and green foliage.

Overview

Appearance

The balloon body gives this molly its signature compact, deep-bodied profile with a curved dorsal line. The lyretail caudal fin extends into elegant forked lobes that trail gracefully as the fish swims. The overall colouration ranges from warm orange to rich gold, often with a subtle iridescent sheen across the scales under good lighting — a warm, luminous presence in any tank.

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-Orange Lyretail Molly is a warm, graceful, and low-maintenance fish that brings golden colour and elegant movement to any freshwater aquarium. A new arrival — limited stock available.