Description
🐟 Purple Berry Blended Ear 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 (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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Unique purple berry-colored body with extended pectoral “ear-like” fins.
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Peaceful, active, and very eye-catching in planted tanks.
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Males are more colorful; females are bigger but less vibrant.
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Livebearers – females give birth to fry directly.
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Good option for aquascaped or decorative aquariums.
🍽️ Food
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Type: Omnivorous
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Diet: Quality flakes, micro pellets, spirulina, frozen/live foods (daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms), blanched veggies.
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Feeding: 1–2 times daily in small portions.
🛠️ Maintenance
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Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (bigger tanks are better).
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Filtration: Sponge or HOB filter with gentle flow.
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Substrate & Decor: Plants, driftwood, hiding spots, and open swimming space.
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Water Change: 25–30% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
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Minimum Group Size: At least 1 male with 2–3 females.
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Tank Mates: Guppies, Mollies, Platies, Swordtails, Corydoras, Shrimp, Neon Tetras, peaceful Gouramis.
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Avoid: Fin-nippers and aggressive species.
✅ Do’s
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Keep stable water parameters.
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Provide live plants for hiding fry.
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Use groups for natural behavior and active display.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t mix with aggressive fish.
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Don’t overcrowd the tank (they breed quickly).
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Don’t skip regular water changes.
⭐ Quick Tips
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Beginner-friendly and easy to care for.
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Breed often – females can produce fry every month.
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Their purple shine and extended “ear fins” make them stand out in any aquarium
