(G) Purple Berry Blended Ear Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Description

🐟 Purple Berry Blended Ear Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata

• Family: Poeciliidae

• Origin: South America (tank-bred variety)

• Size: 1.5 – 2.5 inches (3.5 – 6 cm)

• Lifespan: 2 – 3 years

• Tank Zone: Mid to top swimmers

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 200 – 400 ppm

• pH: 6.8 – 7.8

• Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)

• Hardness: 8 – 20 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Unique purple berry-colored body with extended pectoral “ear-like” fins.

• Peaceful, active, and very eye-catching in planted tanks.

• Males are more colorful; females are bigger but less vibrant.

• Livebearers – females give birth to fry directly.

• Good option for aquascaped or decorative aquariums.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: Quality flakes, micro pellets, spirulina, frozen/live foods (daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms), blanched veggies.

• Feeding: 1–2 times daily in small portions.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (bigger tanks are better).

• Filtration: Sponge or HOB filter with gentle flow.

• Substrate & Decor: Plants, driftwood, hiding spots, and open swimming space.

• Water Change: 25–30% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: At least 1 male with 2–3 females.

• Tank Mates: Guppies, Mollies, Platies, Swordtails, Corydoras, Shrimp, Neon Tetras, peaceful Gouramis.

• Avoid: Fin-nippers and aggressive species.

✅ Do’s

• Keep stable water parameters.

• Provide live plants for hiding fry.

• Use groups for natural behavior and active display.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t mix with aggressive fish.

• Don’t overcrowd the tank (they breed quickly).

• Don’t skip regular water changes.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Beginner-friendly and easy to care for.

• Breed often – females can produce fry every month.

• Their purple shine and extended “ear fins” make them stand out in any aquarium