(G) HB Leopard Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Description

🐟 HB Leopard 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

• Named “HB” (Half Black) because of its dark rear body with a bright leopard-pattern tail.

• Active, colorful, and peaceful – very popular in aquariums.

• Males are smaller, slimmer, and more vibrant; females are bigger and less colorful.

• Livebearers – females give birth to live fry.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: Quality flakes, micro pellets, spirulina, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, blanched veggies (spinach, cucumber).

• Feeding: 1–2 times daily in small portions.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (bigger preferred for groups).

• Filtration: Gentle filter with sponge cover (protects fry).

• Substrate & Decor: Live plants, rocks, driftwood, hiding spaces, open swimming area.

• Water Change: 25–30% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: 1 male with 2–3 females (to balance mating behavior).

• Tank Mates: Mollies, Platies, Swordtails, Corydoras, Tetras, Shrimp, peaceful Gouramis.

• Avoid: Aggressive fish or fin-nippers.

✅ Do’s

• Keep them in groups for natural behavior.

• Provide plants for cover and fry survival.

• Maintain clean, stable water.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep them with aggressive or large fish.

• Don’t overcrowd – they breed very fast.

• Don’t expose them to sudden water parameter changes.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Easy to breed and care for – great for beginners.

• Females can produce 20–50 fry every 4–6 weeks.

• Their half-black body and leopard-pattern tail make them stand out in any tank.