Origins and Classification
- Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata (Sri Lanka strains)
- Family: Poeciliidae (Livebearers)
- Origin: While guppies are native to South America, Sri Lanka has become one of the world’s largest guppy breeding and export hubs. Many colorful strains (including Albino, Moscow, and multi-tail types) are selectively bred there.
- Popularity: Famous worldwide due to their high quality, vibrant colors, and strong genetics. Sri Lankan guppies are considered premium strains in the aquarium trade.
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🎨 Appearance
- Body Color:
- Extremely diverse — includes metallic blues, reds, yellows, greens, albinos, and multicolored mosaic patterns.
- Known for vivid coloration and large, well-formed tails.
- Distinctive Features:
- Wide tail shapes (delta, fan, round, lyretail).
- Stronger build due to selective breeding practices.
- Size: Small — males 1.2–1.5 inches (3–4 cm); females 2–2.5 inches (5–6 cm).
- Lifespan: 2–3 years with proper aquarium care.
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🏡 Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (ideal in groups; 1 male with 2–3 females recommended).
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
- pH: 6.8–7.8
- Water Hardness: Moderately hard to hard water preferred.
- Habitat Setup:
- Use live plants for cover and fry protection.
- Open swimming space for active behavior.
- Gentle filtration and regular water changes (Sri Lankan guppies are often very colorful but sensitive to poor water).
- Peaceful tank mates enhance longevity and breeding success.