Golden Panda Lyretail Molly (Poecilia sphenops) - Live Fish

DESCRIPTION OF ITEM:

The Golden Panda Lyretail Molly (Poecilia sphenops)  is a beautiful and unique variety of the Molly fish, a popular species in the livebearer family. The Golden Panda Lyretail Molly is a man-made hybrid, distinguished by its striking coloration and the lyretail fin, which is particularly attractive to aquarium enthusiasts. This fish is known for its vibrant gold and black coloration, combined with its graceful and elongated tail fin.

Physical Description
Size: Golden Panda Lyretail Mollies typically grow to about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) in length, with females generally being larger than males.
Body Shape: The body of the Golden Panda Lyretail Molly is somewhat elongated and cylindrical, similar to other Molly fish. The fish has a slender build, making it a graceful swimmer in the aquarium.
Coloration: The primary colors of the Golden Panda Lyretail Molly are a mix of gold, black, and white. The body of the fish is typically golden or yellow with black markings scattered across the body, often concentrated around the head or the dorsal area.
Some individuals may exhibit a more pronounced "panda" coloration, where the black areas resemble the panda pattern, with light golden areas creating a contrast.
The tail fin of the Golden Panda Lyretail Molly is the most distinctive feature. The tail is shaped like a lyre, with elongated lobes that flare outward, creating a lyre-like shape. This tail is usually colored in darker shades (often black) and contrasts with the lighter body color.
Fins: The fins of the Golden Panda Lyretail Molly are well-developed, with the most notable being the lyre-shaped tail fin. The dorsal fin is also prominent and can be slightly larger in males.
Sexual Dimorphism: Like most livebearers, males and females can be distinguished by their size and fin structure. Males are usually smaller and have more pronounced, elongated fins, particularly the tail. Females tend to be larger, with a rounder, fuller body to accommodate pregnancy.

Habitat
Native Range: The Golden Panda Lyretail Molly is a hybrid variety of the molly fish, originally derived from Poecilia sphenops, which is native to the fresh and brackish waters of North and Central America. The Golden Panda variety was selectively bred to enhance its color and fin shape.

Water Conditions
Temperature: The Golden Panda Lyretail Molly thrives in water temperatures between 72-82°F (22-28°C).
pH: The preferred pH range is slightly alkaline, typically between 7.5 and 8.5. They can also tolerate slightly brackish water, making them adaptable to various conditions.
Hardness: Water hardness should be between 10-25 dGH.
Mollies, including the Golden Panda Lyretail, do well in well-planted tanks with plenty of open swimming space. They enjoy moderately flowing water but do not do well in tanks with strong currents.

Behavior
Temperament: Golden Panda Lyretail Mollies are peaceful and social fish, making them ideal for community tanks. They are generally active and friendly, often seen swimming in the mid to upper regions of the tank.
Schooling Fish: Mollies tend to do best when kept in small groups (a minimum of 3-4 individuals). They prefer to be in the company of other Mollies or peaceful species, as they can become stressed when alone.
Active and Curious: These fish are active swimmers and enjoy exploring their surroundings. They are also quite curious, often coming to the front of the tank when they sense movement, especially during feeding time.

Diet
Golden Panda Lyretail Mollies are omnivorous and have a varied diet in the wild, which includes both plant and animal matter. In captivity, a balanced diet is essential for their health and vibrant coloration. Their diet should include:

Flake Foods: High-quality flake foods that are specially formulated for livebearers.
Vegetables: They enjoy blanched vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and peas.
Protein Sources: Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia are also recommended to provide protein.
Algae: Mollies are also known to graze on algae, so having a healthy growth of algae in the aquarium can be beneficial for them.

Reproduction
Livebearers: Like all molly fish, the Golden Panda Lyretail Molly is a livebearer, meaning it gives birth to live young instead of laying eggs. Mating occurs when a male fertilizes a female internally, and the female carries the developing fry inside her body.
Gestation: The gestation period typically lasts 3-4 weeks. Female mollies can give birth to anywhere from 20 to 100 fry per batch, depending on the size and health of the female.
Raising Fry: After birth, the fry are tiny but fully formed and can swim almost immediately. They are small and vulnerable, so it’s best to provide plenty of plants or decorations in the tank to give the fry places to hide. Fry are generally fed infusoria or finely crushed flake food in the early stages of life.

Aquarium Care
Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 20 gallons (75 liters) is recommended for a small group of Golden Panda Lyretail Mollies. More space is always beneficial to accommodate their active nature and provide ample swimming space.
Water Conditions: As noted earlier, maintaining stable water conditions is essential for their health. Regular water changes (about 25% weekly) are crucial to maintain water quality.
Filtration: A gentle filtration system is ideal, as Mollies are sensitive to poor water quality, especially in more confined spaces. Ensure that the filtration doesn’t create strong currents, as these fish prefer calm waters.
Compatibility: Golden Panda Lyretail Mollies are peaceful and get along well with other non-aggressive species. They can be kept with other livebearers (such as guppies and other mollies), tetras, peaceful catfish, and small species of cichlids. Avoid keeping them with larger, aggressive fish that may harm them.

Lifespan
The Golden Panda Lyretail Molly typically lives for 2 to 3 years, but with proper care, they can sometimes live even longer. Their lifespan can be influenced by factors such as water quality, diet, tankmates, and overall aquarium conditions.

Summary
The Golden Panda Lyretail Molly is an attractive and hardy fish that makes a stunning addition to community aquariums. With its vibrant gold and black coloration and distinctive lyre-shaped tail, this fish is a favorite among hobbyists. Their peaceful nature, active swimming habits, and ease of care make them suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Providing a well-maintained aquarium with stable water parameters and a balanced diet will help ensure these beautiful fish live long, healthy lives.