Description
🐟 Tiger Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
📌 Basic Info
-
Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
-
Family: Poeciliidae
-
Origin: Selectively bred (aquarium strain)
-
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
-
Unique tiger-like black stripes on their body and tail.
-
Males are more colorful with bright orange, yellow, or blue tones, while females are bigger but less vibrant.
-
Active, peaceful, and easy to care for – great for community aquariums.
-
Highly popular due to their exotic and wild tiger pattern.
-
Livebearers – females give birth to free-swimming fry.
🍽️ Food
-
Type: Omnivorous
-
Diet: High-quality flakes, micro pellets, brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, spirulina, and blanched vegetables.
-
Feeding: 1–2 times daily in small amounts.
🛠️ Maintenance
-
Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (larger recommended for groups).
-
Filtration: Gentle sponge/low-flow filter.
-
Decor: Plants, driftwood, and hiding spots with open swimming space.
-
Water Change: 25–30% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
-
Minimum Group Size: Best kept in groups (1 male with 2–3 females).
-
Tank Mates: Other guppies, Platies, Mollies, Swordtails, Neon Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, Shrimp.
-
Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping fish (Tiger Barbs, Bettas, large Cichlids).
✅ Do’s
-
Keep planted tanks to protect fry.
-
Maintain good water quality for strong colors.
-
Balance male-to-female ratio to reduce stress.
❌ Don’ts
-
Don’t overcrowd the tank – they breed very fast.
-
Don’t keep with aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
-
Don’t neglect water changes.
⭐ Quick Tips
-
Stunning guppies with tiger-like striped patterns and vibrant body colors.
-
Hardy and beginner-friendly – excellent for community aquariums.
-
Breed easily, with females producing 20–40 fry monthly.
