Guppy Blue Diamond (Poecilia reticulata) – A Complete Care Guide for Aquarium Enthusiasts

Characteristics

The Blue Diamond Guppy is a selectively bred variety of Poecilia reticulata, known for its stunning deep blue coloration and shimmering metallic sheen. This guppy is a favorite among aquarists due to its vibrant color, hardy nature, and ease of care.

• Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
• Common Name: Blue Diamond Guppy
• Origin: Captive-bred variant, originally derived from South American guppies
• Behavior: Peaceful, active, and social
• Tank Preferences: Enjoys well-planted aquariums with open swimming space
• Water Parameters:
  • pH: 6.8 – 7.8
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
  • Temperature: 22°C – 28°C (72°F – 82°F)
• Care Difficulty: Easy, perfect for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

Origin and Distribution

The Blue Diamond Guppy is a selectively bred strain, not found in the wild. It was developed through careful breeding of guppies with rich blue genetics, enhancing their deep blue metallic body and flowing fins.

Colors and Markings

The Blue Diamond Guppy is characterized by:

• A deep, iridescent blue body, sometimes with a gradient effect.
• A shimmering metallic sheen, making the fish glow under aquarium lighting.
• Long, flowing tail fins, often solid blue or with subtle patterns.

Some variations may show slight purple or turquoise hues, depending on the lighting and genetics.

Tankmates and Compatibility

Blue Diamond Guppies are peaceful and social, making them excellent for community tanks. They coexist well with:

• Other guppy varieties (Moscow Blue, Full Red, Tuxedo Guppy)
• Livebearers (Platies, Mollies, Swordtails)
• Tetras (Neon Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras)
• Corydoras Catfish
• Shrimp and Snails

Avoid keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping fish like Tiger Barbs or large Cichlids.

Care Requirements

To maintain healthy and vibrant Blue Diamond Guppies:

• Tank size: 10 gallons minimum, but a 20-gallon tank is ideal for a guppy colony.
• Live plants (Java Moss, Anubias, Hornwort) for hiding spots and fry protection.
• Sponge filter or gentle filtration to prevent strong currents.
• Regular water changes (25-30% per week) to maintain clean water conditions.
• Moderate lighting to enhance their blue sheen.

Diet and Feeding

Blue Diamond Guppies are omnivores, requiring a balanced diet for optimal health and color enhancement:

• High-quality flakes and micro-pellets (color-enhancing formulas recommended).
• Live or frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms).
• Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, lettuce).
• Algae-based foods to promote gut health.

Feed small portions 2-3 times daily, ensuring they consume all food within a few minutes.

Gender Differences

• Males: Smaller, more colorful, with longer, more elaborate fins.
• Females: Larger, rounder, with a duller coloration and shorter fins.

Breeding Blue Diamond Guppies

Like all guppies, Blue Diamonds are livebearers, meaning they give birth to fully formed fry. Breeding them is easy:

• Separate breeding tank (10 gallons) helps protect fry from adult fish.
• Dense vegetation or breeding boxes provide shelter for newborn fry.
• Stable water temperature (25°C – 27°C or 77°F – 81°F) ensures successful breeding.
• Gestation period: 4-6 weeks, with females giving birth to 20-50 fry per cycle.
• Fry diet: Powdered flakes, baby brine shrimp, and specialized fry food.

Common Health Issues

Blue Diamond Guppies are hardy, but they can be prone to:

• Fin Rot – Caused by poor water quality; treat with clean water and antibacterial meds.
• Ich (White Spot Disease) – Treated with aquarium salt and increased temperature.
• Swim Bladder Disease – Often due to overfeeding or constipation; feed fiber-rich foods.

To prevent disease, maintain stable water parameters and avoid overcrowding.

Additional Resources

For more guppy care tips and breeding strategies, check out:

• The Guppy Handbook by David Alderton
• Aquarium forums like Fishlore and GuppyFanatics
• YouTube channels such as Aquarium Co-Op and SerpaDesign

Final Thoughts

The Blue Diamond Guppy is an elegant, vibrant, and easy-to-care-for fish, perfect for both beginners and seasoned aquarists. With their metallic blue sheen, peaceful nature, and lively swimming, they add a mesmerizing touch to any freshwater aquarium. With proper care, they can live up to 2-3 years.

Would you like additional tips on guppy tank setup or breeding techniques? 🐠💙✨