Description
🐟 Japanese 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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Known for their metallic blue body and tail with a graceful shine.
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Males are smaller but display deeper blue shades; females are larger with lighter colors.
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Peaceful, active, and hardy – great for community tanks.
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Selectively bred in Japan, admired for their pure and elegant blue coloration.
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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 portions.
🛠️ Maintenance
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Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (larger if keeping groups).
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Filtration: Sponge/low-flow filter preferred.
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Decor: Planted tanks with hiding spots and 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 recommended.
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Tank Mates: Guppies, Mollies, Platies, Swordtails, Neon Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, Shrimp.
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Avoid: Fin-nippers and aggressive fish (Tiger Barbs, Bettas, large Cichlids).
✅ Do’s
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Keep in a planted aquarium for fry survival.
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Maintain stable water for strong blue colors.
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Balance male-to-female ratio to reduce stress.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t overcrowd – guppies breed quickly.
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Don’t keep with aggressive or larger fish.
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Don’t neglect weekly water changes.
⭐ Quick Tips
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Striking metallic blue guppy, very popular among aquarists.
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Easy to breed, with females producing 20–40 fry monthly.
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Perfect choice for beginners and advanced hobbyists.
