(G) Metal Blue Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)[male + female pair]

Description

🐟 Metal 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

• Stunning metallic blue sheen across the body and fins.

• Males are smaller with brighter colors, females are larger with softer shades.

• Peaceful, active, and hardy – great for community aquariums.

• Metallic shine makes them stand out under aquarium lights.

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

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: High-quality flake food, micro pellets, brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, spirulina, blanched veggies.

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

🛠️ Maintenance

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

• Filtration: Gentle sponge or low-flow filter.

• Decor: Plants, driftwood, and open swimming areas.

• Water Change: 25–30% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

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

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

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

✅ Do’s

• Keep live or artificial plants for fry hiding spots.

• Maintain stable water conditions for bright metallic colors.

• Use proper male-to-female ratio to reduce stress.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t overcrowd – guppies breed quickly.

• Don’t keep with aggressive fish.

• Don’t miss regular tank maintenance.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Known for their shimmering metallic blue finish.

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

• Perfect choice for beginners and collectors of rare guppy strains.