Sakura Hifin Lyretail Balloon (Pair)

The "Sakura Hi-Fin Lyretail Balloon" is a mouthful of a name that describes a very specific and deliberately bred variety of freshwater fish. It’s not a wild species but a man-made creation, resulting from combining several different genetic traits.

Let's break down that name piece by piece, as each part describes a specific physical characteristic. This fish is almost certainly a variant of the Molly or the Platy/Swordtail (specifically Xiphophorus maculatus or Xiphophorus hellerii), as these are the species where these traits are commonly found.

Breaking Down the Name

1. Sakura: This is a Japanese word meaning "cherry blossom." In the aquarium trade, it's used to describe a specific color pattern.

   • Appearance: It refers to a translucent or clear body color overlaid with a dense, mottled pattern of red, pink, or orange. The pattern often looks speckled or blotchy, reminiscent of cherry blossom petals. On a good specimen, the color is vibrant and covers most of the body, including the fins. The base body color is usually a light silver or flesh tone.

2. Hi-Fin: This describes the dorsal fin (the fin on the fish's back).

   • Appearance: The dorsal fin is significantly elongated and enlarged compared to a standard fish. In males, it can be quite long and flowing, often trailing behind the fish as it swims. It's a striking feature that adds a lot of visual appeal. In high-quality specimens, the fin stands erect and is broad.

3. Lyretail: This describes the shape of the caudal fin (the tail fin).

   • Appearance: Instead of a standard, rounded, or fan-shaped tail, the lyretail has extended tips on the top and bottom of the tail fin, while the middle is shorter. This creates a distinctive crescent or "V" shape, reminiscent of the musical instrument, the lyre. This trait is often more pronounced in males.

4. Balloon: This describes the body shape.

   • Appearance: This is a genetic mutation that affects the spine. A "balloon" fish has a noticeably shorter and deeper body than a standard fish. It looks almost as if it has been compressed from head to tail, giving it a rounded, "chubby" or pear-shaped appearance. This shortening of the spine also affects the internal organ placement.

Putting It All Together: The Sakura Hi-Fin Lyretail Balloon Molly/Platy

Imagine a fish with a short, chubby, rounded body. Its body is a light, almost translucent base color, heavily covered in patches of bright cherry-red and pink. From its back, a large, flowing sail-like fin extends. Its tail is a beautiful forked, crescent-moon shape with pointed tips. That is this fish.

• Likely Species: Most often, this combination of traits is seen in Mollies or Platies. Mollies are more commonly found with lyretails and hi-fins, while the "balloon" body shape is very common in Platies. So, this fish is likely a hybrid or a heavily selected variant of one of these livebearer species.

• Sexing: As with most livebearers, males are typically smaller, more colorful, and have a pointed anal fin (the gonopodium used for reproduction). Females are larger, often less intensely colored, and have a fan-shaped anal fin. The male will also usually display the most extravagant hi-fin and lyretail.

Care Requirements

Because of its extreme body shape, this fish has specific care needs that are slightly different from a standard molly or platy.

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons (75 liters) is recommended for a small group. The "balloon" body makes them slower and less agile swimmers, so they don't need massive tanks, but good water quality is paramount.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C). Stability is key.

  • pH: 7.0 - 8.0. They prefer slightly hard, alkaline water.

  • Hardness: Moderate to hard. Adding a little aquarium salt (if they are mollies, which often appreciate it) can be beneficial, but it's not strictly necessary for platies.