lyretail

Lyretail is a descriptive term used in the aquarium hobby to refer to fish whose caudal fin has a lyre-shaped profile, typically with two prominent lobes and a central notch. It is not a taxonomic group, but rather a morphological trait observed in multiple species across different families. Breeders have produced lyretail varieties through selective breeding, and the term is applied to both freshwater and marine ornamental fish.

In hobby literature and trade, lyretail varieties are contrasted with other tail shapes such as round, delta, forked, and veil tails. The designation can apply to several genera and species, including some swordtails, platies, damselfishes, and angelfishes, among others. The appearance can vary in coloration, fin length, and pattern, depending on the species and breeding line.

Care considerations for lyretail fish depend on the specific species involved, but general aquarium requirements include stable water conditions, appropriate tank size, compatible tank mates, and a balanced diet. Like other ornamental fish, lyretail varieties may be prone to fin damage or stress if kept in aggressive or crowded tanks, so proper husbandry is important.

Outside aquarium contexts, the term lyretail is not widely recognized as a standalone company or organization. If encountered as a business name or product line, it is likely to be a local or niche usage rather than a widely documented entity.