Male Moscow Black Guppy 3.5cm

Male Moscow Black Guppy
 

Whilst almost 99% of guppies sport then incredibly vibrant, saturated colours, it can be hard to find a strain that is darker and subdued. The black Moscow guppy is probably the most popular and perfect strain for this since it is basically jet-black from head to tail. Black Moscows have been in the aquarium hobby for quite some time now and are often the base for other dark guppy strains like black cobras. This guppy strain in particular will look great in high, packed numbers almost resembling a black cloud but will also look stunning in a smaller group that contrasts well in a planted aquarium.  

Black Moscow guppies are essentially a single jet-black colour from head to tail. This is caused by the high level of melanin pigmentation present in the fish, in some instances they can however show sheens of blue as well. The only place where there is a breakup of the solid black is just behind the gill plate where the fish can show a little amount of silver. Black Moscow guppies also tend to have a much longer tail fin compared to the other guppy strains which is like a flag waving in the water. Whilst there isn’t a lot to play around with genetics-wise through breeding for this strain, it would be really interesting to see what sort of crosses can be made with the fry. Breeding a red, blue, or any other coloured female with a black Moscow male may result in a potentially unseen guppy colouration which is where these fish can offer hours of fun experimentation. 

Guppies are one of the easiest fish in the aquarium hobby to breed which is why they are such a popular species. These are livebearers which means the females will give birth to fully formed fry instead of eggs. Females tend to have less black around the face and body compared to males along with smaller fins however the fish overall will get larger in size. The wild habitat of the natural guppy is widespread from South America to Mexico.

Tank Recommendations for your Male Moscow Black Guppy

Being a very small and easy-to-care-for fish a trio of these black Moscow guppies can be kept in nano aquariums with the minimum being a 40-litre aquarium. A sand or gravel substrate would be fine for these fish as well, a lot of plant growth will also make these fish contrast really well but also makes for handy locations where guppy fry can grow. 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

Breeding black Moscow 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. 

Suitable Tank Buddies for your Male Moscow Black Guppy

The male black Moscow 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 flowing 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 which would prey on the guppies such as Oscars, or jaguar cichlids.

Feeding your Male Black Moscow Guppy

The black Moscow 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 behaviour. Giving them nutritional food with good protein and varied ingredients can result in the mild colours being slightly more enhanced.