Molly "Gold Dust Lyra" - Poecilia sphenops

The Gold Dust Molly with its attractive lyre tail fin is a popular ornamental fish and even easier to care for. The livebearer, also known scientifically as Poecilia sphenops, is one of the pointed molly fish, which originally comes from the lower reaches of rivers in brackish water areas. Like guppies or swordtails, it is also a very popular aquarium fish that is virtually an evergreen in the trade. Especially its easy care and keeping make it so interesting.

Our Mollys are shipped mixed sexed.

With a body length of 6-10 cm the females become quite large, the males remain with approx. 4-6 cm somewhat behind. The aquarium for the Gold Dust Molly should therefore have at least 100 cm edge length, whereby more is advantageous. Externally, the fish can be distinguished mainly by their anal fin, because this is long and extended in the male, in the female rather round and sail-shaped. Breeding of mollies is not difficult, the males are almost constantly courting their adored ladies. After mating, the female can even store the sperm for a while and fertilize it herself several times, which is also the reason why even in an all-female group, young sometimes come up. In the belly of the expectant mother the eggs mature, from which live young hatch, which she then releases into the open water. Up to 80 fish babies per litter are not uncommon. To prevent the parents from chasing and eating their young, it is worthwhile to plant the aquarium densely in places so that the young can hide.

The sociable animals should be kept in a shoal with at least 5 comrades, otherwise they will take care of themselves. As in their habitat, the aquarium water should be rather hard to "brackish", i.e. somewhat salinated. They feel comfortable at a water temperature of 24-28 °C, a regular heater does a good job here. When changing the water regularly, which is also a compulsory program for these great animals, care should be taken that the Gold Dust Molly is temperature-sensitive, the changing water should therefore be "brought up to temperature" before filling into the aquarium.

The fish are quite peaceful Kärpflinge, which can also be well socialized. Especially Amano shrimps are suitable for this purpose, or also well reproducing other dwarf shrimp species, which originate from the same water parameters. However, it is possible that now and then a shrimp juvenile disappears in the fish mouth, so the aquarium should have enough caves, roots or decorations for the shrimp. Also the Sulawesi Inland Shrimp originates from hard water and would be suitable. Crayfish, on the other hand, are not recommended, as they could easily catch and even eat the Molly. Alternatively, other fish that can cope with the water parameters are also suitable, for example other color forms of the Molly, as we carry them in our store.

The omnivore is not particularly choosy and can be fed well with commercially available dry, granulated or flake food. From time to time it also tugs at algae coverings and can be fed with vegetables or Vegetable chips vegetables or vegetable chips. Live or frozen food like Artemia, Daphnia or Gammarus may be offered to him from time to time as a treat. Sometimes mollies nibble on water plants with soft foliage. With a rich vegetable and green feeding you can limit this damage. Soft / scalded vegetables and greens such as dandelions, shelled peas, skinned tomatoes, nettle leaves, spinach leaves, zucchini and squash are eaten very readily by the Gold Dust Lyratail Mollies, which are known to be uncomplicated eaters.

Our food recommendation: NatureHolic Guppyfeed is a fine soft granulate with 0,5 mm grain thickness, which is suitable as staple food for all aquarium fish and especially for Guppies. The soft consistency of the food beads is reminiscent of that of natural insect larvae. It protects the sensitive fish mouth from micro injuries caused by hard or sharp-edged food. In addition to animal food, guppies also need a vegetable component in their diet. As special additives we add garlic extract and the leaf powder of the miracle tree Moringa olifera to NatureHolic Guppyfeed. These herbal additives are said to have positive effects on the immune system and the colorfulness of the colorful fish.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planaria and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend when keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and husbandry.