Description
🐟 Japanese Blue 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
Known for their metallic blue body and tail with a graceful shine.
Males are smaller but display deeper blue shades; females are larger with lighter colors.
Peaceful, active, and hardy – great for community tanks.
Selectively bred in Japan, admired for their pure and elegant blue coloration.
Livebearers – females give birth to free-swimming fry.
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous
Diet: High-quality flakes, micro pellets, brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, spirulina, blanched vegetables.
Feeding: 1–2 times daily in small portions.
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (larger if keeping groups).
Filtration: Sponge/low-flow filter preferred.
Decor: Planted tanks with hiding spots and swimming space.
Water Change: 25–30% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
Minimum Group Size: 1 male with 2–3 females recommended.
Tank Mates: Guppies, Mollies, Platies, Swordtails, Neon Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, Shrimp.
Avoid: Fin-nippers and aggressive fish (Tiger Barbs, Bettas, large Cichlids).
✅ Do’s
Keep in a planted aquarium for fry survival.
Maintain stable water for strong blue colors.
Balance male-to-female ratio to reduce stress.
❌ Don’ts
Don’t overcrowd – guppies breed quickly.
Don’t keep with aggressive or larger fish.
Don’t neglect weekly water changes.
⭐ Quick Tips
Striking metallic blue guppy, very popular among aquarists.
Easy to breed, with females producing 20–40 fry monthly.
Perfect choice for beginners and advanced hobbyists.
