How to Breed a Silver Lyretail Molly

Lyretail mollies are a variation of the sailfin molly. Sailfin mollies have large dorsal fins on their backs, giving them their name. Lyretail mollies also have these sail-like dorsal fins, as well as tail fins with extended edges that curve downward, resembling a lyre and giving them their name. Most lyretail mollies are black. The silver lyretail molly is yet another variation. Silver lyretail mollies, like most mollies, are considered hardy and easy to care for, making them a good choice for the beginner aquarium enthusiast. Mollies, including lyretail mollies, are also thought to be easy to breed.

Things You'll Need

  • Thermometer
  • Water testing kit
  • Separate birthing compartment or aquarium
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a group of lyretail mollies in a freshwater aquarium. This group of fish can range in size from a single male and single female to as many fish as the aquarium can comfortably hold. Silver lyretail mollies are social fish, and do well in groups. Also, although a single male and female may breed, having a larger group increases the chances of spawning. However, there should be at least one male and female in the group. Male mollies are more slender than the plump females. Males also have a gonopodium, which is a sexual organ that has developed from the pelvic fins.

    • 2

      Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the water in the aquarium. Silver lyretail mollies feel most comfortable at temperatures between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The more comfortable the fish are, the more likely they are to breed.

    • 3

      Use a water testing kit to measure the pH level of the water. Silver lyretail mollies prefer aquarium water that has a pH between 7.0 and 7.8. Use water additives to raise or lower the pH level in the aquarium if necessary.

    • 4

      Wait for the silver lyretail mollies to breed. They will breed when they feel comfortable. Usually, this means they will breed right away, but it could take a couple of days. Lyretail mollies, like most mollies, tend to breed frequently, and females usually lay a batch of eggs about every 60 days.

    • 5

      Observe the female lyretail mollies. Look closely at the females' abdomens. Pregnant lyretail mollies will swell slightly as the eggs develop. You many also notice a pregnancy spot, which is a dark coloration on the female's abdomen that indicates that eggs are growing. When you notice that a female is pregnant, move her to a separate aquarium or secure separate compartment in the main aquarium. Most lyretail mollies, including the parent fish, will attempt to eat the young fish, so it's important to keep them separated until the young mollies are large enough to fend for themselves.

    • 6

      Remove the mother from the separate compartment or aquarium and place her back in the main aquarium when she has finished giving birth. Each time a female gives birth, between 10 and 60 baby fish will be born.