Description
🐟 Santa Claus Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
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Family: Poeciliidae
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Origin: South America (selective tank-bred variety)
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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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Named “Santa Claus” due to its bright red and white color combination, resembling Santa’s outfit.
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Active, peaceful, and a great centerpiece fish for community tanks.
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Males are more vibrant; females are larger but less colorful.
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Hardy fish, suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
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Livebearers – females give birth to free-swimming fry.
🍽️ Food
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Type: Omnivorous
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Diet: High-quality flakes, micro pellets, brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, spirulina, blanched vegetables.
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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: Sponge or gentle filter for clean water.
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Substrate & Decor: Plants, driftwood, and open swimming areas.
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Water Change: 25–30% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
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Minimum Group Size: Keep in groups – ideally 1 male with 2–3 females.
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Tank Mates: Guppies, Mollies, Platies, Swordtails, Corydoras, Neon Tetras, peaceful Gouramis, Shrimp.
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Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping species.
✅ Do’s
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Provide live or artificial plants for fry protection.
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Keep in slightly hard, stable water.
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Maintain proper male-to-female ratio to reduce stress.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t overcrowd – they breed quickly.
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Don’t keep with large or aggressive fish.
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Don’t skip water changes – clean water keeps colors bright.
⭐ Quick Tips
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Easy to breed – females give birth to fry every month.
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Their red & white festive colors make them a lively showpiece in aquariums.
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Perfect for beginners and community setups.
