- Sku: FW1-F1334
- Vendor: Squeaky's Aquatics
Dalmatian Lyretail Molly (Poecilia latipinna)
Your order is reserved — we hold off on bagging until you arrive, so it stays healthy in its display tank.
The Dalmatian Lyretail Molly (Poecilia latipinna) is one of the most striking color morphs of the classic sailfin molly — a creamy white body splashed with crisp black spots, paired with the elegant top-and-bottom tail extensions that give the lyretail its name. Hardy, peaceful, and active, mollies bring constant motion and bold contrast to a community tank. Each fish is hand-selected from our display systems at Squeaky's Aquatics.
Pair with other peaceful community fish like Black Skirt Tetras, Panda Corys, and algae-eating snails like the Pink Lady Nerite. Browse our freshwater fish collection for more community-tank companions.
Care Guide
- Care Level: Beginner — one of the easiest livebearers, very forgiving of tap-water parameters.
- Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum for a small group; 29+ gallons recommended for mixed-sex groups so females can escape male attention.
- Water Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C).
- pH: 7.5–8.5 — prefers hard, alkaline water.
- Hardness: 10–25 dGH. Mollies do best in hard water; very soft water shortens their lifespan.
- Salt tolerance: Tolerates a touch of aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gal) and very low-end brackish setups. Not required, but they appreciate hard, mineral-rich water.
- Diet: Omnivore, leaning herbivore. Feed quality flake like Ocean Nutrition Brine Shrimp Plus Flake with regular blanched veggies (zucchini, spinach) and occasional frozen brine shrimp.
- Lifespan: 3–5 years with good care.
- Acclimation: Drip acclimate over 30–45 minutes if your home water is much softer than ours.
Specifications
| Common Name | Dalmatian Lyretail Molly (Marbled Molly) |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia latipinna |
| Family | Poeciliidae (Livebearers) |
| Origin | Captive-bred color line; wild species from Gulf Coast brackish waters |
| Max Size | Males ~3", Females ~4–5" |
| Temperament | Peaceful, active, social |
| Plant Safe | Plant-safe — will graze soft algae off décor |
| Water Type | Freshwater (tolerates low brackish) |
Compatibility
Great tank mates: peaceful community fish — Neon Tetras, Emperor Tetras, Corydoras, other livebearers (guppies, platies, swordtails), rainbowfish, and peaceful gouramis. Nerite snails make excellent cleanup partners.
Sex ratio: if you keep mixed sexes, aim for 2–3 females per male so the ladies don't get harassed.
Avoid: fin-nippers (tiger barbs, serpae tetras), aggressive cichlids, and very small fry-predator setups. Adult mollies will eat their own fry — provide dense plant cover or a breeder box if you want babies to survive.
Recommended Foods & Supplies
- Ocean Nutrition Brine Shrimp Plus Flake — high-protein daily staple.
- Seachem Prime — conditions tap water and detoxifies ammonia between water changes.
- Fritz Complete — one-step conditioner alternative to Prime.
- Browse all freshwater plants for planted-tank options.
- Browse all fish foods for frozen, pellet, and flake options.
FAQ
Are these males or females?
Our Dalmatian Lyretail Mollies arrive in mixed batches. If you need a specific sex (males have a gonopodium — a modified anal fin), come by the shop and we'll grab them out of the display tank.
What's the lyretail trait?
Lyretail mollies have extended top and bottom rays of the tail fin, creating an elegant double-pointed shape. The trait is genetically stable but only fully develops on mature fish.
How many can I keep together?
Mollies are social and look best in groups of 5+. A 20-gallon tank comfortably holds 5–6; bump up to 29+ gallons if you keep mixed sexes (they breed prolifically).
Do I need salt in the water?
No, but they appreciate hard, mineral-rich water. If your home water is very soft, a pinch of aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gal) or some crushed coral in the filter helps mollies thrive.
Have a question?
Dalmatian Lyretail Molly (Poecilia latipinna)
