Leopard Guppy

Overview of Leopard Guppies (Males)

Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
Common Name: Leopard Guppy

Appearance

• Coloration: Males are notable for their striking patterns that resemble leopard spots. They typically feature a combination of vibrant colors, such as yellow, orange, or green, overlaid with dark spots or patches. This unique coloration gives them a distinctive and appealing look​
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• Fins: Their fins are often long and flowing, adorned with the same spotted pattern, contributing to their visual appeal .
• Size: Males usually grow to 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 for optimal conditions​
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• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
  • pH: 6.5-8.0
  • Hardness: 8-12 dGH​.
• Filtration: A reliable filtration system is essential to maintain clean water and remove waste effectively.

Diet and Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivorous; Leopard Guppies thrive on a varied diet.
• Feeding Options:
  • High-quality flake or pellet foods.
  • Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
  • Vegetables and plant matter can also be included for a balanced diet .

Behavior and Temperament

• Social Nature: Leopard Guppies are social creatures that should be kept in groups of at least 5-10 individuals to promote natural behaviors and reduce stress​
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• Compatibility: They are generally peaceful and can coexist with other small, non-aggressive fish. Avoid keeping them with fin-nippers .

Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Males display courtship behaviors, often chasing and displaying to females. They are livebearers, meaning females give birth to live fry .
• Fry Care: Provide ample hiding spots in the tank to protect fry from being eaten by adults. Using a breeding box can also help increase fry survival rates.

Health and Care

• Maintenance: Regular water changes (around 20-30% weekly) are important to maintain water quality.
• Common Diseases: Monitor for issues like ich, fin rot, and velvet disease, ensuring good water quality to minimize outbreaks .