Male Black Guppy 3.5cm

Black Guppy

Guppies are an amazingly striking and flashy little aquarium fish which makes them popular amongst many aquarium hobbyists would wide. Through the years of selective breeding and enhancing desirable traits in guppies hundreds of colour variations have been made. Where most of these guppies vary in bright flashy colours, the Black guppy steals the show with its jet black colour gradient and the splashes of greens and oranges from its Endler's livebearer lineage. unlike black mollies or platies, the back guppy is not a solid jet black, but they start off as a flat grey which is complemented by a jade green and streaks of orange.

This then transitions swiftly to a navy blue and then solid black which is the showstopper in this fish. Especially amongst plants, these fish will be an eye-catcher and their simplicity is their biggest win. The Black guppy would look amazing in a large shoal and really stand out in a planted aquarium or a simple hardscape-only aquarium with a blue background. The female counterparts may not be as jet black as the males however if you are looking to breed these guppies the LiveFish team does stock the corresponding females of the colour strain which makes it super easy to set up a breeding group of these fantastic guppies.

Guppies are great because they only get to around 6-7 cm (3 inches) from head to tail. They are also super peaceful fish meaning they can be kept with other aquarium fish but also in large shoals of other coloured guppies. When these black guppies are kept with other colour variations such as reds, oranges, and yellows it would almost look like fireworks in an aquarium.  The wild habitat of the natural guppy is widespread from South America to Mexico.

Tank Recommendations for your Black Guppy

Being a very small and easy to care for fish the Black Guppy can be kept in nano aquariums with the minimum being a 37-liter aquarium (10 gallons) where more length is always appreciated for these fish. A sand or gravel substrate would be fine for these fish as well as a lot of plant growth which not only makes them contrast really well but also makes for handy locations where guppy fry can grow if they are kept with females. Another amazing tank option for these guppies specifically is a minimal scape aquarium with a blue background where these guppies will really pop in colour. Guppies however are in fact considered to be a ‘hard water fish meaning they prefer the water to have an elevated PH and are not like a tetra. This higher PH of 7 - 8 can be achieved with a PH buffer or African cichlid lake conditioning salts.

Breeding
Black guppies or any other guppy for that fact is super easy and very different from any other aquarium fish. Where a vast majority of aquarium fish lay eggs, guppies actually give birth to live young just like mammals. If you are looking to breed guppies it is recommended that there is a ratio of one male to around 3 or more females to make sure that females do not constantly get stressed by the males attempting to breed. When gravid the female guy will develop a dark black ‘egg spot’ near her ventral fin which is in fact the developing fry. She will then release these in a safe location in the aquarium which is why it is recommended to have a lot of plant cover in the aquarium. Guppies may also eat any fry they find in the aquarium so aquarists often have a ‘grow out aquarium’ however this is not necessary. With these guppies specifically, it is recommended to line breed or regulate the offspring produced as it will ensure that the genetic traits of the dumbo ear, large tail fin, and jet black colour are maintained. 

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Black Guppy is a very peaceful aquarium fish and males are no different in aggression when compared with females. They are great with a wide range of nano aquarium fish however because of their bright and flashy fins, certain fin nipping species would be avoided. The other factor is that guppies are fish that needs higher PH so keeping them with south American tetras may not be very suitable as these lower PH.

Usually Compatible

Pseudomogil species such as fork-tail rainbows, blue eyes, rice-fish, and nano aquarium fish can tolerate hard water conditions.  

Sometimes Compatible

Medium growing or possibly fin nipping species. Bettas should also be avoided because of their similar flashy nature to guppies which could lead to aggression from the betta's end. 

Rarely Compatible

Large and aggressive species would prey on the guppies such as Oscars, or jaguar cichlids.

Feeding your Black Guppy

The Black Guppy is very easy to feed once it is settled into the aquarium. It will readily eat a wide range of foods but would prefer to have high a floating nano pellet or flake due to its top-dwelling behavior. Giving them a nutritional food with good protein and varied ingredients can result in the colours of the Red Guppy being further enhanced.  Feeding should happen once during the day during lighting hours.