Red Head Hifin Lyretail Balloon(Pair)

The Red Head Hifin Lyretail Balloon is a stunning and selectively bred freshwater fish, prized in the aquarium hobby for its unique combination of traits: a vibrant red head, an extended dorsal fin (hifin), a forked lyre-shaped tail, and a rounded, compact body (balloon). This fish is typically a variant of the Molly (often Poecilia sphenops or Poecilia latipinna) or sometimes a hybrid involving swordtails or guppies, all of which are livebearers. Below is a detailed overview of its characteristics, care requirements, and considerations.

Common Name

Red Head Hifin Lyretail Balloon (also marketed as Red Head Balloon Molly, Hifin Lyretail Molly, etc.)

Scientific Name

There is no specific scientific name for this color morph; it is a domesticated strain. It is generally classified under the genus Poecilia, most likely Poecilia sphenops (Short-finned Molly) or Poecilia latipinna (Sailfin Molly) with selective breeding for fin and body shape.

Family

Poeciliidae (Livebearers)

Origin

This fish is entirely captive-bred through selective breeding programs in Asia (notably Singapore, Thailand) and Florida. It does not occur in the wild.

Size

• Adult Size: Typically 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) in length. The balloon body makes them appear shorter but more rotund.

• Lifespan: 2–3 years on average, though with excellent care they may live slightly longer.

Appearance

• Body Shape: The "balloon" trait results from a genetic mutation that shortens the spine, giving a rounded, almost globular body. This can sometimes lead to spinal curvature.

• Coloration: The head and often the anterior part of the body display a bright red or orange-red hue. The rest of the body may be silver, gold, or pastel shades, sometimes with speckles.

• Fins:

  • Dorsal Fin: The "hifin" is an enlarged, sail-like dorsal fin that stands erect.

  • Tail Fin: The "lyretail" is a deeply forked caudal fin with elongated upper and lower lobes, resembling a lyre.

• Sexual Dimorphism: Males are usually smaller, more slender (despite the balloon shape), and have a modified anal fin called a gonopodium. Females are larger, rounder, and have a fan-shaped anal fin.

Temperament and Behavior

• Peaceful: They are community fish, suitable for tanks with other non-aggressive species.

• Social: They do best in groups of at least 3–4 individuals, though avoid keeping too many males as they may chase each other.

• Active: They are mid-level swimmers and constantly on the move.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: A 20-gallon (75-liter) tank is recommended for a small group, as they need swimming space despite their small size. Balloon-bodied fish can be less agile.

• Substrate: Any fine gravel or sand.

• Plants and Decor: Provide plenty of live or artificial plants (like Java moss, hornwort) for cover, as well as open swimming areas. Avoid sharp decorations that could tear their delicate fins.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)

  • pH: 7.0–8.2 (slightly alkaline)

  • Hardness: Moderate to hard (10–25 dGH)

  • Salinity: Mollies appreciate a little aquarium salt (1 tablespoon per 5 gallons) but it's not mandatory.

Diet

Omnivorous. They need a varied diet:

• Staples: High-quality flake or pellet food.

• Supplements: Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms to enhance color and health.

• Vegetable matter: Blanched spinach, zucchini, or spirulina-based foods.

Feed small portions 2–3 times daily, avoiding overfeeding.

Breeding

As livebearers, they are relatively easy to breed in captivity.

• Gestation: Females give birth to 20–60 free-swimming fry after a gestation period of about 4–6 weeks.

• Conditions: Provide dense floating plants (like hornwort or java moss) to protect fry from being eaten by adults.

• Fry Care: Feed fry crushed flakes or specially formulated fry food.

Health Considerations and Special Notes

• Balloon Body: The shortened spine can lead to swim bladder issues, making them prone to buoyancy problems. They may also be more susceptible to internal organ compression. Avoid overfeeding and ensure a high-fiber diet.

• Fin Nipping: Their long fins make them targets for fin-nipping fish like tiger barbs or some tetras. Choose peaceful tankmates (e.g., corydoras, small rasboras, peaceful gouramis).

• Disease Susceptibility: Like many selectively bred fish, they can be more delicate than wild-type strains. Maintain excellent water quality to prevent ich, fin rot, and fungal infections.

Suitable Tank Mates

• Peaceful community fish: Guppies, platies, swordtails, other mollies, corydoras catfish, small tetras (neon, ember), rasboras, dwarf gouramis.

• Avoid: Cichlids, barbs, aggressive or fin-nipping species.