(G) Jet Black Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Description

🐟 Jet Black 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

• Entire body and fins are velvety jet black, giving a dramatic and elegant look.

• Males are smaller with more intense color; females are bigger but less vibrant.

• Peaceful, hardy, and active – suitable for community tanks.

• Livebearers – females give birth to free-swimming fry.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: Flakes, micro pellets, brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, spirulina, blanched veggies.

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

🛠️ Maintenance

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

• Filtration: Gentle sponge or low-flow filter.

• Decor: Plants, rocks, driftwood, and open swimming space.

• Water Change: 25–30% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: 1 male with 2–3 females (or keep in groups).

• Tank Mates: Other guppies, Mollies, Platies, Swordtails, Rasboras, Corydoras, Neon Tetras, Shrimp.

• Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping fish (Tiger Barbs, Bettas, large Cichlids).

✅ Do’s

• Keep planted tanks to give fry hiding spaces.

• Maintain stable, clean water for best deep black color.

• Provide a balanced male-to-female ratio.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t overcrowd – they breed rapidly.

• Don’t keep with aggressive tank mates.

• Don’t miss water changes.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Their full jet-black coloration makes them one of the most striking guppy strains.

• Easy to breed – females can produce 20–40 fry monthly.

• Excellent for beginners and hobbyists who love unique, bold fish