(G) Tiger Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Description

🐟 Tiger 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

• Unique tiger-like black stripes on their body and tail.

• Males are more colorful with bright orange, yellow, or blue tones, while females are bigger but less vibrant.

• Active, peaceful, and easy to care for – great for community aquariums.

• Highly popular due to their exotic and wild tiger pattern.

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

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: High-quality flakes, micro pellets, brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, spirulina, and blanched vegetables.

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

🛠️ Maintenance

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

• Filtration: Gentle sponge/low-flow filter.

• Decor: Plants, driftwood, and hiding spots with open swimming space.

• Water Change: 25–30% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

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

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

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

✅ Do’s

• Keep planted tanks to protect fry.

• Maintain good water quality for strong colors.

• Balance male-to-female ratio to reduce stress.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t overcrowd the tank – they breed very fast.

• Don’t keep with aggressive or fin-nipping fish.

• Don’t neglect water changes.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Stunning guppies with tiger-like striped patterns and vibrant body colors.

• Hardy and beginner-friendly – excellent for community aquariums.

• Breed easily, with females producing 20–40 fry monthly.