Black Balloon Molly Lyretail (Poecilia sphenops)

Bold, Round, and Dramatically Finned

The Black Balloon Molly Lyretail (Poecilia sphenops) is a striking combination of two of the most distinctive molly traits — the rounded, deep-bodied balloon form and the elegant, forked lyretail fin. Jet black from head to tail with a gracefully arched back and flowing lyre-shaped caudal fin, this variety is a true showpiece in any community or livebearer aquarium.

Hardy, peaceful, and easy to breed, the Black Balloon Lyretail Molly is a fantastic choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists looking to add a bold, eye-catching fish to their setup.

Overview

Appearance

The balloon body form gives this molly a distinctively round, deep profile with a curved dorsal line — quite different from the standard molly body shape. Combined with a forked lyretail caudal fin and uniform jet-black colouration across the entire body and fins, this variety has a dramatic, sculptural presence in the aquarium. The lyretail fins flow and trail gracefully as the fish moves, adding elegance to its bold silhouette.

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 Black Balloon Molly Lyretail is a bold, graceful, and low-maintenance fish that makes an immediate impression in any aquarium. A new arrival — limited stock available.