Blue/Red Variegated

Overview

• Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
• Common Names: Blue/Red Variegated Guppy, Variegated Guppy
• Type: This variety of guppy is selectively bred for its vibrant blue and red coloration, characterized by a mix of these colors across the body and fins, creating a visually appealing pattern.

Appearance

• Body Color: The body of the Blue/Red Variegated Guppy features a base color of blue with bold red markings. The distribution of these colors can vary, leading to unique patterns and designs among individual fish.
• Size: Males typically reach about 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) in length, while females can grow slightly larger, up to 2.5 inches (6 cm).
• Fins: The dorsal and tail fins are often adorned with a mix of blue and red, enhancing the fish's overall appearance. The shapes can vary, with some having elongated fins.
• Lifespan: With proper care, they can live for 2-3 years, with some individuals reaching up to 5 years.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Aquarium Size:

  • A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for a small group of Blue/Red Variegated Guppies. For larger groups or breeding setups, a 20-gallon tank or more is ideal.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C).
  • pH: 6.5-8.0.
  • Hardness: 8-12 dGH.
  • Filtration: Moderate filtration is essential to maintain clean water. A sponge filter can provide gentle filtration, which is suitable for guppies.
  • Substrate: Fine gravel or sand is ideal. Including live plants or artificial decorations can create hiding spots and enhance the tank’s environment.

Diet and Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivorous.
• Feeding Schedule: Feed 2-3 times daily, providing small amounts that can be consumed within a few minutes.
• Food Options:
  • High-quality flakes or pellets formulated for guppies.
  • Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms to promote health and vitality.
  • Supplement with vegetable-based foods, such as spirulina flakes or blanched greens, for balanced nutrition.

Behavior and Temperament

• Social Nature: Blue/Red Variegated Guppies are social fish and thrive in groups. It's best to keep them in schools of at least 5-10 individuals.
• Compatibility: They are compatible with other small, peaceful fish such as tetras, rasboras, and dwarf corydoras. Avoid housing them with larger or aggressive species that may view them as prey.
• Activity Level: These guppies are active swimmers, preferring the middle and upper parts of the tank. They display playful behaviors and can often be seen exploring their environment.
• Temperament: Generally peaceful and non-aggressive, although males may exhibit competitive behaviors during breeding displays.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry instead of laying eggs.
• Breeding Behavior: Males will court females with colorful displays and chasing. Female guppies can become pregnant and give birth every 30 days under optimal conditions.
• Fry Care: The fry are small and vulnerable, often at risk of being eaten by adult fish. To ensure their survival:
  • Provide plenty of hiding spots in the tank using plants or decorations.
  • Consider using a breeding box to separate fry from adults.
  • Feed fry with finely crushed flakes or specialized fry food until they grow larger.

Health and Care

• Regular Maintenance:

  • Weekly water changes of 20-30% are essential to maintain water quality and prevent stress.
  • Regularly monitor ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels to ensure stable conditions.

• Common Diseases:

  • Ich (White Spot Disease): Treatable with increased temperature and medications.
  • Fin Rot: Often caused by poor water quality. Improving conditions and using antibacterial treatments can help.
  • Velvet Disease: Characterized by a fine golden dust on the fish; treatable with copper-based medications or specific anti-parasitic treatments.

Special Considerations

• Color Variability: The mix of blue and red coloration can vary significantly between individuals, making each fish unique. This variety can provide visual interest in any aquarium setting.
• Lighting: Guppies can be sensitive to bright lighting. Providing shaded areas or floating plants can help them feel more secure.