Guppy Black Moscow
Poecilia reticulata
Description
The Guppy Black Moscow is a striking and unique variety of guppy, known for its solid, intense black coloration. Unlike other guppy varieties that may have a mix of colors, the Black Moscow Guppy features a completely dark body, which can range from a deep, glossy black to a more matte charcoal appearance. The fish has a smooth, elongated body and often exhibits a subtle, metallic sheen under the right lighting, making it an eye-catching addition to any aquarium. The tail fin is typically black, with some individuals showing slight variations in coloration or shape, especially in males, which are more brightly colored.
Habitat Origin
Native to the freshwater rivers, lakes, and streams of Central and South America, particularly in countries like Venezuela, Trinidad, and Guyana. While they originate from tropical regions with clear, slow-moving waters, the Black Moscow Guppy is a selectively bred variety of the common Poecilia reticulata, created for its distinct black coloration.
Aquarium
Ideal Number in Aquarium: Best kept in groups of at least 4-6 individuals. The more, the better, as guppies are social creatures that thrive in schools.
Favorite Food
The Black Moscow Guppy is omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods. They can be fed high-quality flake food, micro pellets, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and grindal worms. They also enjoy vegetable-based foods like spirulina, blanched zucchini, and lettuce. A well-rounded diet will help maintain their health and the intensity of their coloration.
Behavior:
The Black Moscow Guppy is a peaceful, active species. They are often seen swimming in the middle and upper regions of the tank, where they enjoy darting about and interacting with other guppies. These guppies are non-aggressive, making them ideal for peaceful community aquariums. While males can occasionally show territorial behavior, especially during breeding periods, their aggression is minimal compared to other species.
Special Care:
Black Moscow Guppies are hardy fish but thrive in stable water conditions. Regular water changes, good filtration, and maintaining clean water are necessary for their health. They prefer slightly alkaline water with medium to hard hardness, and it’s important to ensure that the tank temperature remains within the ideal range to keep them comfortable.
Compatibility with Other Fish:
Black Moscow Guppies are compatible with many peaceful fish species. They can be kept with other guppy varieties, tetras, rasboras, gouramis, and Corydoras catfish. They should not be kept with large or aggressive fish, such as bettas, cichlids, or goldfish, as these fish may bully or eat them.
Breeding Tank Setup
Although not strictly necessary, using a separate breeding tank for Guppy Black Moscow is highly recommended. It helps prevent fry predation and allows precise control over water conditions to support successful breeding. A tank size of 20–40 liters (5–10 gallons) provides enough space for the breeding pair and future fry. Ideal water parameters include a pH of 7.0–8.0, temperature of 24–28°C, and a general hardness (dGH) between 6–12. A gentle sponge filter is preferred to maintain clean and well-oxygenated water without harming the fry. Use fine gravel or sand substrate, and incorporate live plants like Java moss or Anubias, which offer shelter and grazing surfaces. Floating plants also help reduce stress by providing shaded areas.
Conditioning for Breeding
Before breeding, Guppy Black Moscow should be well-conditioned with a protein-rich, varied diet. Offer live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms, alongside high-quality guppy flakes or pellets. This boosts female egg development and enhances male courtship behavior. Consistent weekly water changes of 20–30% help maintain optimal water quality and encourage breeding readiness. Slightly increasing the temperature to 28°C can further trigger spawning activity.
Spawning Process
Breeding typically begins when both the water parameters and conditioning are ideal. Males exhibit vibrant black coloration and actively pursue females to initiate mating. Guppy Black Moscow are livebearers, meaning fertilization occurs internally, and females give birth to live young after a gestation period of 4–6 weeks. A single female can deliver between 20 to 100 fry depending on her size and health. While separating the female isn’t mandatory, transferring her to a nursery tank post-birth can help protect the fry from predation.
Fry Care & Feeding
Fry are born fully developed and begin swimming immediately after birth. In their first few days, offer infusoria or liquid fry food. As they grow, gradually introduce newly hatched brine shrimp and finely crushed guppy flakes or pellets. Maintain excellent water quality with small water changes (10–15%) every 2–3 days and use a sponge filter to avoid harming the fry. Keep temperatures steady between 24–28°C and avoid strong currents. Dense plant cover, moss, or floating vegetation provides essential hiding spots and reduces stress in young fish.
Maturity, Sexing & Stress Management
Guppy Black Moscow reach breeding maturity at 3–4 months of age. Males are typically smaller, more colorful, and possess a gonopodium—a modified anal fin used for fertilization. Females are larger, rounder when gravid, and generally less vivid in color. To reduce stress and enhance breeding success, avoid overcrowding, maintain stable water parameters, and remove aggressive or overly active tankmates. A peaceful, clean, and shaded environment will allow breeding pairs and fry to thrive.