Purple Queen Guppy

Overview of Purple Queen Guppies (Males)

Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
Common Name: Purple Queen Guppy

Appearance

• Coloration: Males are characterized by their vibrant purple bodies, often featuring shimmering scales that reflect light beautifully. This color can range from a deep, rich purple to lighter, more pastel shades. They may also have darker markings or spots that add to their striking appearance​.
• Fins: Their fins are typically long and flowing, showcasing the same purple hues or occasionally having contrasting colors along the edges .
• Size: Males usually reach a size of about 1.5 to 2 inches (4-5 cm)​
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Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended to provide enough space for swimming and social interactions .
• 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 to maintain clean water, as guppies can be sensitive to poor water conditions .

Diet and Feeding

• Diet Type: Purple Queen Guppies are omnivorous and benefit from a varied diet .
• Feeding Options:
  • High-quality flake or pellet foods.
  • Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
  • Vegetables or plant matter should also be included for a balanced diet​
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Behavior and Temperament

• Social Nature: Purple Queen Guppies are social fish and thrive in groups of at least 5-10 individuals to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviors .
• Compatibility: Generally peaceful, they can be kept with other small, non-aggressive species but should be protected from fin-nipping fish .

Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Males exhibit courtship behaviors, often displaying and chasing females. They are livebearers, meaning females give birth to live fry​
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• Fry Care: Ample hiding spaces in the tank are essential 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 (about 20-30% weekly) are vital for maintaining water quality​
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• Common Diseases: Monitor for common diseases like ich, fin rot, and velvet disease. Good water quality and tank conditions are essential for preventing these issues​
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Fun Facts

• The vivid colors of Purple Queen Guppies are a result of selective breeding, aimed at enhancing their aesthetic appeal.
• Guppies are known for their rapid reproduction, with females able to give birth every 30 days, producing between 20-100 fry at a time .