Male Tri-Colour Guppy 3.5cm

Male Tri-Colour Guppy

Whilst almost 99% of guppies sport then incredibly vibrant, saturated colours, it can be hard to find a strain that is more subdued yet still stunning. The Tri-Colour guppy is a perfect train for this void, its mix of pastel colours, mild metallic look and not overly flashy fins make this a beautiful fish to keep in the aquarium where the fish may not be the main focus. Guppies are also often kept in high numbers with multiple colours which really creates this energy-filled, jelly bean tank. Whilst this strain will also carry the same level of guppy activity, by keeping a small number of these fish in a high-tech or large planted tank, can really give a relaxing look.  

Tri-colour guppies as their name suggest have a mix of three main colours purple, yellow, and orange. These colours work together in a way that they both blend in and contrast each other. The most prominent colour is a light yellow which is present across the face, belly, and fins, it can also throw a mild shade of green and blue. The orange compliments this quite well as it is found quite close to the areas of yellow, it presents itself around the eyes, just past the dorsal fin in a pronounced dash, and through the tail fin in some thick striping. Finally comes the purples which stand out the most after the orange which is present around the gill plate and near the tail. The colours do not clash with harsh borders around each other but tend to blend in like a gradient. They will contrast surprisingly well against plants and with quality customizable RGB, some of the toned-down colours can be enhanced.

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 be less colourful 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 your Tri-Colour Guppy

Being a very small and easy to care for fish a trip of tri-color guppy can be kept in nano aquariums with the minimum being a 37-liter 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 tri-colour 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 pastel colours are maintained however there is a lot of room to experiment and hybridize to create new and better colour strains! 

Suitable Tank Buddies

The tri-colour 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 bettas end. 

Rarely Compatible

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

Feeding your Tri-Colour Guppy

The tri-colour 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 nutritional food with good protein and varied ingredients can result in the mild colours being slightly more enhanced.