Guppy Japan Double Slayer (Poecilia reticulata) – A Complete Care Guide for Aquarium Enthusiasts

Characteristics

The Japan Double Slayer Guppy is a stunning and unique guppy variety, prized for its elongated, flowing tail and striking color patterns. It is a selectively bred guppy known for its aggressive-looking yet peaceful nature, making it a favorite among guppy breeders and collectors.

• Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
• Common Name: Japan Double Slayer Guppy
• Origin: Captive-bred, originally derived from selective guppy breeding programs
• Behavior: Peaceful, active, and social
• Tank Preferences: Thrives in 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, suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

Origin and Distribution

The Japan Double Slayer Guppy is a selectively bred strain, developed by expert guppy breeders to enhance fins, coloration, and tail structure. It is not found in the wild but has gained popularity in the aquarium trade worldwide, particularly among Japanese guppy breeders.

Colors and Markings

This guppy variety is known for:

• Striking coloration with combinations of red, orange, blue, black, and white.
• Elongated, sword-like tail (Double Slayer tail) giving it a distinct look.
• High dorsal fin, often with extensions resembling a flag.

Some individuals display metallic or iridescent hues, depending on their genetics and lighting conditions.

Tankmates and Compatibility

Japan Double Slayer Guppies are peaceful and social, making them ideal for community tanks. They coexist well with:

• Other guppy varieties (Full Red, Moscow Blue, Tuxedo Guppy)
• Livebearers (Platies, Mollies, Swordtails)
• Small schooling fish (Neon Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, Rasboras)
• Bottom dwellers (Corydoras Catfish, Otocinclus)
• Shrimp and Snails

Avoid housing them with aggressive or fin-nipping fish like Tiger Barbs or Betta fish, as their long fins can make them targets.

Care Requirements

To maintain healthy and vibrant Japan Double Slayer Guppies:

• Tank size: 10 gallons minimum, but a 20-gallon tank is ideal for a guppy colony.
• Live plants (Java Fern, Anubias, Hornwort) for hiding spots and stress reduction.
• Sponge filter or gentle filtration to prevent strong currents from damaging their long fins.
• Regular water changes (25-30% per week) to maintain clean water conditions.
• Moderate lighting to enhance their vibrant colors.

Diet and Feeding

Japan Double Slayer Guppies are omnivores, requiring a nutrient-rich diet to maintain optimal health and fin development:

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

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

Gender Differences

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

Breeding Japan Double Slayer Guppies

As a livebearer, the Japan Double Slayer Guppy gives birth to fully formed fry, making breeding relatively easy:

• A 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.

Selective breeding can help enhance tail length, fin structure, and coloration in future generations.

Common Health Issues

Japan Double Slayer Guppies are hardy, but they can be prone to:

• Fin Rot – Often caused by poor water quality or fin-nipping tankmates; 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 like peas.

To prevent disease, maintain stable water parameters, avoid overcrowding, and quarantine new fish before introducing them to the main tank.

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 Japan Double Slayer Guppy is a mesmerizing, unique, and easy-to-care-for fish, perfect for both hobbyists and serious guppy breeders. With their elegant fin structure, peaceful temperament, and stunning colors, they are a standout addition to any freshwater aquarium. With proper care, they can live up to 2-3 years.

Would you like additional guidance on guppy genetics or fin development? 🐠✨