(G) Purple Berry Dragon Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Description

🐟 Purple Berry Dragon 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 purple body and fins with dragon-scale patterns.

• Males show vibrant deep purple with shining tails; females are larger and less colorful.

• Active, peaceful, and hardy – perfect for community tanks.

• Highly sought-after for their unique berry-like purple tones.

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

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: High-quality flakes, micro pellets, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, spirulina, blanched spinach/zucchini.

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

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (larger if keeping big groups).

• Filtration: Sponge/low-flow filter preferred.

• Decor: Planted tanks, driftwood, hiding spots, plus open swimming areas.

• Water Change: 25–30% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: At least 1 male with 2–3 females.

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

• Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nippers like Tiger Barbs, Bettas, large Cichlids.

✅ Do’s

• Keep in groups to reduce stress.

• Use live plants to help fry survival.

• Maintain good water quality for best colors.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t overcrowd – guppies breed very fast.

• Don’t keep with aggressive species.

• Don’t skip water changes.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Eye-catching guppy with deep purple “dragon scale” design.

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

• Great for both beginners and advanced aquarists who love unique strains.