The Blue Moscow Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a stunning, selectively bred fancy guppy strain known for its deep, metallic ink-blue and shimmering iridescent coloration that covers the body and flowing finnage.

Quick Facts and Care Requirements:

• Care Level: Easy, making them great for aquarium beginners.
• Temperament: Peaceful and active community fish.
• Adult Size: 3.8 to 6.4 cm.
• Lifespan: 2 to 3 years under proper care.
• Minimum Tank Size: approx. 38 to 60 litres.
• Water Temperature: 22°C to 28°C.
• pH Range: 7.0 to 8.0 (prefer alkaline, moderate to hard water).
• Diet: Omnivorous; thrives on high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and frozen/live foods like brine shrimp and daphnia.

Appearance and Sexual Dimorphism:

• Males: Display the signature solid metallic blue coloration, vibrant sheen, and larger, ornate tails characteristic of the Moscow line.
• Females: Typically larger and rounder with a less intense or muted blue tone, often concentrated mainly in the fins. Pure-strain breeding females with good fin colour can be harder to find and more expensive.

Tank Mates and Housing Tips:

• Community Compatibility: Best kept with other peaceful small fish like neon tetras, corydoras catfish, and rasboras. Avoid fin-nipping species.
• Group Dynamic: Best kept in small groups or a harem ratio of 2 to 3 females per male to spread out breeding attention.
• Aquarium Setup: Provide dense planting (like Java moss) to give newborn fry places to hide, as guppies are prolific livebearers and will readily breed in freshwater setups.