Product Description: Poecilia reticulata 'Japan Blue'

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Discover the vibrant Poecilia reticulata 'Japan Blue,' a guppy with striking metallic blue hues. Perfect for freshwater aquariums and easy to care for.

Detailed Description:

The Poecilia reticulata 'Japan Blue' is a stunning freshwater guppy known for its iridescent blue coloration and dynamic personality. Popular among aquarists of all skill levels, this fish is both beautiful and easy to care for, making it a fantastic addition to any community tank. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your 'Japan Blue' guppies thrive in your aquarium:

Appearance

• Metallic blue body with varying intensities of coloration depending on lighting and genetics.
• Males are more vibrant with elongated fins, while females have a subtler coloration.
• Small in size, males grow up to 1.5 inches, and females can reach 2 inches.

Water Conditions

• Temperature: Optimal range is 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F).
• pH: Slightly alkaline water with a pH between 7.0 and 8.5.
• Hardness: Prefers moderately hard to hard water (8-25 dGH).
• Tank Size: Minimum tank size of 10 gallons for a small group; larger tanks are ideal for active swimming and breeding.
• Filtration: A gentle filter that maintains clean water is essential. Avoid strong currents as guppies prefer calmer waters.
• Water Changes: Weekly water changes of 20-30% are recommended to maintain water quality.

Feeding Habits

• Diet: Omnivorous and easy to feed. Provide a varied diet to ensure optimal health.
  • High-quality flake food or micro pellets as a staple.
  • Supplement with frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
  • Include plant-based foods like spirulina flakes or blanched vegetables.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily, ensuring they consume all food within 2 minutes to prevent overfeeding.

Tank Mates

• Peaceful by nature, 'Japan Blue' guppies are excellent in community tanks. Suitable tank mates include:
  • Small tetras (e.g., neon or ember tetras).
  • Corydoras catfish.
  • Mollies, platies, and other livebearers.
  • Non-aggressive shrimp species like cherry shrimp.
• Avoid larger, aggressive fish like cichlids or fin-nippers such as tiger barbs.

Care Tips

• Breeding:
  • Livebearers that reproduce easily. Provide plenty of plants like java moss or floating vegetation for fry to hide.
  • Separate pregnant females into breeder boxes to protect fry from being eaten.
• Health Monitoring:
  • Keep an eye out for signs of stress or disease, such as fin rot, ich, or lethargy.
  • Maintain stable water parameters to prevent illnesses.
• Decor and Environment:
  • Add live plants like anubias, hornwort, or amazon swords for a natural aesthetic and hiding spots.
  • Provide ample swimming space and avoid overcrowding to reduce stress.

Why Choose the 'Japan Blue' Guppy?

• Hardy and adaptable, ideal for beginners and experienced aquarists.
• Vibrant colors and active behavior enhance the visual appeal of any tank.
• Excellent breeders, allowing you to expand your aquarium community naturally.

With its vibrant blue coloration and low-maintenance care requirements, the Poecilia reticulata 'Japan Blue' is a must-have for any freshwater aquarium enthusiast.