Description
🐟 HB Blue 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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“HB” stands for Half Black, meaning the rear half of the body is black.
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Striking metallic blue shine on the front body and tail.
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Males are more colorful with long flowing tails, females are larger and paler.
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Peaceful, hardy, and very active swimmers.
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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, bloodworms, daphnia, 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 (bigger for groups).
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Filtration: Gentle sponge/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: Keep in groups (best ratio: 1 male to 2–3 females).
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Tank Mates: Mollies, Platies, Swordtails, Corydoras, Rasboras, Neon Tetras, Shrimp.
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Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping fish like Tiger Barbs, Bettas, or large Cichlids.
✅ Do’s
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Keep them in groups for better activity.
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Provide plants for fry hiding and stress reduction.
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Maintain stable, clean water for bright colors.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t overcrowd (they breed fast).
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Don’t mix with aggressive fish.
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Don’t skip regular cleaning.
⭐ Quick Tips
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HB Blue guppies are loved for their contrast of shiny blue and half-black body.
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Easy to breed – females can produce 20–40 fry monthly.
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A favorite choice for community aquariums and guppy collectors.
