Description
🐟 Santa Claus Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
Family: Poeciliidae
Origin: South America (selective tank-bred variety)
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 “Santa Claus” due to its bright red and white color combination, resembling Santa’s outfit.
Active, peaceful, and a great centerpiece fish for community tanks.
Males are more vibrant; females are larger but less colorful.
Hardy fish, suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
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 amounts.
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (larger for groups).
Filtration: Sponge or gentle filter for clean water.
Substrate & Decor: Plants, driftwood, and open swimming areas.
Water Change: 25–30% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
Minimum Group Size: Keep in groups – ideally 1 male with 2–3 females.
Tank Mates: Guppies, Mollies, Platies, Swordtails, Corydoras, Neon Tetras, peaceful Gouramis, Shrimp.
Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping species.
✅ Do’s
Provide live or artificial plants for fry protection.
Keep in slightly hard, stable water.
Maintain proper male-to-female ratio to reduce stress.
❌ Don’ts
Don’t overcrowd – they breed quickly.
Don’t keep with large or aggressive fish.
Don’t skip water changes – clean water keeps colors bright.
⭐ Quick Tips
Easy to breed – females give birth to fry every month.
Their red & white festive colors make them a lively showpiece in aquariums.
Perfect for beginners and community setups.
