Metallic Red Guppy

Overview 

Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
Common Name: Metallic Red Guppy

Appearance

• Coloration: Males are celebrated for their brilliant metallic red bodies, which can have an iridescent quality that shines under good lighting. This vibrant color is often accompanied by varying patterns or hints of orange .
• Fins: Their fins are typically long and flowing, often showcasing the same striking red hue or featuring darker edges that enhance their overall beauty .
• Size: Males usually grow to about 1.5 to 2 inches (4-5 cm) .

Habitat and Tank Requirements

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

Diet and Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivorous; they thrive on a varied and balanced diet .
• Feeding Options:
  • High-quality flakes or pellets specifically formulated for guppies.
  • Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
  • Plant matter or vegetables can also be included for a comprehensive diet .

Behavior and Temperament

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

Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Males exhibit courtship displays, often chasing females. They are livebearers, meaning females give birth to live fry rather than laying eggs .
• Fry Care: Providing ample hiding spaces in the tank is crucial to protect fry from being eaten by adults. Using a breeding box can significantly help increase fry survival rates .

Health and Care

• Maintenance: Regular water changes (around 20-30% weekly) are important for maintaining water quality .
• Common Diseases: Watch for common issues like ich, fin rot, and velvet disease. Maintaining good water quality is essential to prevent these problems .

Fun Facts

• Guppies are known for their rapid breeding capabilities, with females able to give birth every 30 days, producing between 20-100 fry each time .
• The vibrant colors of guppies, including the Metallic Red variety, are a result of selective breeding, making them popular among aquarists .