Male Pingu Guppy 3.5cm

Male Pingu Guppy

If you've been in the aquarium hobby for even a short while, you'll know just how many jaw-dropping guppy variations there are, and the Male Pingu Guppy is no exception. Guppies are some of the most prolific and genetically versatile fish in the hobby, which means colour strains like this are constantly being refined and improved by breeders across the world. The Pingu strain is a vibrant and elegant livebearer, and it brings a beautifully balanced look to any nano or community aquarium.

The Male Pingu Guppy showcases a minimalist yet elegant palette that sets it apart from the more flamboyant strains. The front half of the body is a shimmering silver-pearl with hints of pink, gradually transitioning into a soft beige or creamy peach tone near the tail. What really defines this strain is the solid black saddle marking that runs vertically down the midsection, giving them a high-contrast tuxedo-like appearance. The tail is typically translucent with faint gold or yellow tones depending on light exposure. These fish are a visual delight, especially when kept in groups where they interact playfully in the mid to upper water column.

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 green around the fins and body compared to males, along with smaller fins, however will get larger in size. The wild habitat of the natural guppy is widespread from South America to Mexico.

Tank Recommendations for Male Pingu Guppy

Being a very small and easy to care for fish, a trio of these Male Pingu guppies can be kept in nano aquariums with the minimum being a 37 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 it 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 Male Pingu 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 guppy 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 patterning and pastel colours are maintained; however, there is a lot of room to experiment and hybridise to create new and better colour strains!

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Male Pingu 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 a fish that needs a 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 bettas' end.

Rarely Compatible

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

Feeding your Male Male Pingu Guppy

The Male Pingu 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 a high-floating nano pellet or flake due to its top-dwelling behaviour. Giving them a nutritional food with a good protein level and varied ingredients can result in the colours being slightly more enhanced.