Description
🐟 Chilli Mosaic Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
📌 Basic Info
-
Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
-
Family: Poeciliidae
-
Origin: South America
-
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 its fiery red-orange “chilli” colors with a mosaic pattern tail.
-
Peaceful, active, and easy to keep.
-
Males show brighter colors, females are bigger but less vibrant.
-
Livebearer – females give birth to live fry.
-
Adds striking red contrast in a community tank.
🍽️ Food
-
Type: Omnivorous
-
Diet: High-quality flakes, micro pellets, spirulina, live/frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms), blanched veggies.
-
Feeding: 1–2 times daily in small amounts.
🛠️ Maintenance
-
Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (larger for groups).
-
Filtration: Gentle sponge or HOB filter.
-
Substrate & Decor: Live plants (good for fry), driftwood, hiding spaces, and open swimming area.
-
Water Change: 25–30% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
-
Minimum Group Size: 1 male with 2–3 females (better ratio).
-
Tank Mates: Mollies, Platies, Swordtails, Tetras, Corydoras, Shrimp, peaceful Gouramis.
-
Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
✅ Do’s
-
Keep stable water parameters.
-
Provide plenty of plants for fry survival.
-
Keep them in groups for active behavior.
❌ Don’ts
-
Don’t overcrowd (they breed quickly).
-
Don’t keep with aggressive tank mates.
-
Don’t expose to sudden temperature or pH changes.
⭐ Quick Tips
-
Great choice for beginners and community tanks.
-
Easy breeders – females give birth every 4–6 weeks.
-
Their bright red mosaic tails make them one of the most eye-catching guppy varieties
