(G) Moscow Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Description

🐟 Moscow Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata

• Family: Poeciliidae

• Origin: Selectively bred (aquarium strain, Russia origin)

• 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

• Known for their solid, full-body colors (commonly blue, black, green, or purple).

• Entire body, including head, is deeply pigmented, unlike patterned guppies.

• Males are smaller and display more vibrant solid colors; females are larger and less intense.

• Peaceful, hardy, and easy to keep.

• Livebearers – females give birth to free-swimming fry.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: Flakes, micro pellets, brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, spirulina, blanched veggies.

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

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (larger for groups).

• Filtration: Gentle sponge/low-flow filter.

• Decor: Planted tank works best to bring out their colors.

• Water Change: 25–30% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: Keep in groups (best ratio: 1 male to 2–3 females).

• Tank Mates: Mollies, Platies, Swordtails, Corydoras, Rasboras, Neon Tetras, Shrimp.

• Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping fish like Tiger Barbs, Bettas, or large Cichlids.

✅ Do’s

• Use dark substrates and lighting to enhance their body colors.

• Keep in stable water conditions.

• Provide hiding spots for fry survival.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t overcrowd the tank.

• Don’t house with aggressive fish.

• Don’t neglect water changes.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Moscow Guppies stand out with their solid, rich colors covering the whole body.

• Great choice for hobbyists who love uniform-colored guppies.

• Breed easily – females give birth to 20–40 fry monthly