Description
🐟 Jet Black Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
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Family: Poeciliidae
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Origin: Selectively bred (aquarium strain)
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Size: 1.5 – 2.5 inches (3.5 – 6 cm)
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Lifespan: 2 – 3 years
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Tank Zone: Mid to top swimmers
🌊 Water Parameters
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TDS: 200 – 400 ppm
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pH: 6.8 – 7.8
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Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)
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Hardness: 8 – 20 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
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Entire body and fins are velvety jet black, giving a dramatic and elegant look.
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Males are smaller with more intense color; females are bigger but less vibrant.
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Peaceful, hardy, and active – suitable for community tanks.
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Livebearers – females give birth to free-swimming fry.
🍽️ Food
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Type: Omnivorous
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Diet: Flakes, micro pellets, brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, spirulina, blanched veggies.
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Feeding: 1–2 times daily in small amounts.
🛠️ Maintenance
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Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (larger for groups).
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Filtration: Gentle sponge or low-flow filter.
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Decor: Plants, rocks, driftwood, and open swimming space.
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Water Change: 25–30% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
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Minimum Group Size: 1 male with 2–3 females (or keep in groups).
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Tank Mates: Other guppies, Mollies, Platies, Swordtails, Rasboras, Corydoras, Neon Tetras, Shrimp.
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Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping fish (Tiger Barbs, Bettas, large Cichlids).
✅ Do’s
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Keep planted tanks to give fry hiding spaces.
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Maintain stable, clean water for best deep black color.
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Provide a balanced male-to-female ratio.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t overcrowd – they breed rapidly.
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Don’t keep with aggressive tank mates.
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Don’t miss water changes.
⭐ Quick Tips
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Their full jet-black coloration makes them one of the most striking guppy strains.
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Easy to breed – females can produce 20–40 fry monthly.
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Excellent for beginners and hobbyists who love unique, bold fish
