Albino Sky Blue Redtail

Overview

• Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
• Common Names: Albino Sky Blue Redtail Guppy, Albino Redtail Guppy
• Type: A color morph of the guppy, specifically bred for its albino pigmentation, sky blue body, and contrasting redtail. Guppies are well-known for their vibrant colors and active behavior, making them a favorite in the aquarium hobby.

Appearance

• Body Color: Albino Sky Blue Redtail Guppies have a translucent, light blue body with a brilliant red tail. Due to their albino genetics, their eyes are pink or red, which contrasts beautifully with their body and fin colors.
• Size: Males are typically smaller, around 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm), while females can grow slightly larger, up to 2.5 inches (6 cm).
• Fins: The tail fin (caudal fin) is broad and vibrant red, often with sky blue accents in some strains. The dorsal fin is similarly colored and elongated, especially in males.
• Lifespan: Typically lives for 1.5-2 years, but with excellent care, they may live up to 3 years.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Aquarium Size:

  • A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for a small group of guppies. For larger groups, consider a 20-gallon tank or more.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C).
  • pH: 6.8-7.8.
  • Hardness: 8-12 dGH.
  • Filtration: Moderate filtration with good water flow is ideal. Guppies are not too picky but appreciate clean, well-oxygenated water.
  • Substrate: Fine gravel or sand is suitable, and live plants like java fern or hornwort provide hiding places and a more natural environment.

Diet and Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivorous.
• Feeding Schedule: Feed 2-3 times daily in small amounts that can be consumed within a few minutes.
• Food Options:
  • High-quality flakes or micro-pellets formulated for guppies.
  • Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms to enhance their color and health.
  • Vegetable-based foods like spirulina flakes or blanched zucchini for balanced nutrition.

Behavior and Temperament

• Social Nature: Albino Sky Blue Redtail Guppies are peaceful and do well in community tanks. They thrive in groups, and it's best to keep them in schools of 5 or more.
• Compatibility: These guppies are compatible with other small, peaceful fish such as tetras, rasboras, and dwarf corydoras. Avoid housing them with larger, aggressive fish that may nip their fins or view them as prey.
• Activity Level: They are active swimmers that prefer the middle and upper parts of the aquarium. Males may display courtship behaviors toward females, but they are generally non-aggressive.
• Temperament: Peaceful, social, and curious, making them great additions to community aquariums.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs.
• Breeding Behavior: Males constantly court females, and guppies breed readily in community tanks without intervention. Pregnant females have a dark gravid spot near the rear of their abdomen.
• Fry Care: The fry are tiny and often eaten by adult fish, including their parents. To increase survival rates:
  • Provide plenty of plants or a breeding box for hiding.
  • Separate the fry from the adult tank or offer a lot of hiding places.
  • Feed fry with finely crushed flakes or specialized fry food.

Health and Care

• Regular Maintenance:

  • Weekly water changes of 20-30% are essential for maintaining good water quality.
  • Keep an eye on water parameters to ensure stable conditions, as guppies are sensitive to poor water quality.

• Common Diseases:

  • Ich (White Spot Disease): Treat with temperature increase and medication.
  • Fin Rot: Often caused by poor water quality or stress. Improve water conditions and treat with antibacterial medications.
  • Velvet Disease: Appears as a fine golden dust on the fish and can be treated with copper-based medications or other specific treatments.

Special Considerations

• Albino Sensitivity: Due to their albino genetics, these guppies can be more sensitive to intense lighting. It’s best to provide shaded areas or floating plants to create a comfortable environment for them.
• Color Enhancement: A well-balanced diet with live or frozen foods can help maintain and enhance their vibrant colors.