Koi Guppy

Overview of Koi Guppy (Males)

Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
Common Name: Koi Guppy

Appearance

• Coloration: Koi Guppies are renowned for their vibrant, multicolored patterns resembling Koi fish, with a mix of orange, white, black, and sometimes yellow or blue. The distinct color patterns can vary significantly among individuals​
  .
• Fins: Males typically have long, flowing fins that often display the same striking colors, contributing to their aesthetic appeal .
• Size: Males usually reach about 1.5 to 2 inches (4-5 cm) in length .

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended to ensure ample swimming space​
  .
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
  • pH: 6.5-8.0
  • Hardness: 8-12 dGH .
• Filtration: A strong filtration system is essential for maintaining water quality, as guppies can be sensitive to poor conditions .

Diet and Feeding

• Diet Type: Koi Guppies are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet .
• Feeding Options:
  • High-quality flakes or pellets designed for guppies.
  • Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
  • Plant matter or vegetables can also be beneficial .

Behavior and Temperament

• Social Nature: Koi Guppies are social fish and should ideally be kept in groups of at least 5-10 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviors​
  .
• Compatibility: Generally peaceful, they can coexist with other small, non-aggressive fish. Avoid fin-nipping species to ensure their well-being .

Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Males will engage in courtship displays, often chasing females. They are livebearers, meaning females give birth to live fry instead of laying eggs .
• Fry Care: Providing ample hiding spaces in the tank is crucial for protecting fry from being eaten by adults. Using a breeding box can also help increase fry survival rates​
  

Health and Care

• Maintenance: Regular water changes (about 20-30% weekly) are essential for maintaining water quality .
• Common Diseases: Monitor for common ailments like ich, fin rot, and velvet disease. Maintaining good water quality is crucial to preventing these issues .

Fun Facts

• Koi Guppies are a result of selective breeding, aiming to replicate the beautiful patterns found in Koi fish .
• They are known for their rapid breeding capabilities, with females able to give birth every 30 days, producing between 20-100 fry each time .