Pair Black Moscow Guppy 3cm

Pair Black Moscow Guppy

For decades, Guppy breeders have worked towards developing fish with increasingly solid colouration, and the Moscow strains are some of the best examples of this selective breeding. Rather than displaying contrasting spots, stripes or mosaic patterns, Moscow Guppies are particularly well known for their deep, uniform colours, which can extend across much of the body and finnage. The Black Moscow is one of the most striking varieties, producing an almost completely black fish with subtle metallic highlights that become visible beneath aquarium lighting.

Male Black Moscow Guppies develop a deep charcoal to jet-black body, with the dark pigmentation continuing through the dorsal and caudal fins. Under strong lighting, subtle blue, violet and metallic highlights may become visible across the scales, giving the fish considerably more depth than a simple solid black appearance. The broad caudal fin is particularly impressive as the male swims, creating a dark fan-shaped silhouette that contrasts beautifully against lighter substrates and green plants. Females are generally larger and considerably less colourful, displaying a silver-grey to darker charcoal body with more subdued finnage. Although they lack the dramatic colouration of the males, females are essential for maintaining and breeding this selectively developed strain.

Sexing Black Moscow Guppies is extremely straightforward. Males are smaller, more colourful and possess a gonopodium, whilst females develop a broader abdomen and a fan-shaped anal fin. Guppies are livebearers, and a healthy female can produce a brood approximately every four to six weeks. This listing contains one male and one female, making it an excellent starting point for breeding, although additional females are recommended if the pair is maintained together long-term to prevent the male from continually pursuing a single female. Dense plants and floating vegetation will also help protect newborn fry.

Tank Recommendations for Your Pair Black Moscow Guppy

A minimum aquarium size of around 40 litres is recommended for this pair, with additional space beneficial if breeding is intended. Guppies are active fish and appreciate plenty of open swimming space alongside planted areas.

A slightly hard, alkaline aquarium with stable filtration and regular water changes provides an ideal environment. Fine gravel or sand can be used as the substrate, whilst floating plants and dense vegetation offer valuable shelter for females and developing fry. Lighter substrates and green plants work particularly well with Black Moscow Guppies, as they contrast against their dark colouration.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Black Moscow Guppies are peaceful livebearers and work well in a carefully selected community aquarium.

Usually Compatible

Other Guppies, Platies, Mollies, Corydoras, peaceful rasboras, bristlenose catfish and other small community species that enjoy similar water conditions.

Sometimes Compatible

Dwarf gouramis, Angelfish, Bettas and larger peaceful tetras may coexist successfully in spacious aquariums, although the male's dark flowing finnage may attract attention from territorial or fin-nipping fish.

Rarely Compatible

Tiger Barbs, aggressive cichlids, large predatory catfish, and persistent fin nippers should generally be avoided. These fish may damage the males' fins or consume newborn fry.

Feeding Your Pair Black Moscow Guppy

Black Moscow Guppies are omnivorous and should receive a varied diet consisting of quality floating micro pellets or finely crushed flakes. Frozen daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworms provide excellent additional variety, whilst vegetable-based ingredients help maintain a balanced diet. When breeding, females benefit from regular small meals, and newborn fry can be raised on finely powdered food and newly hatched brine shrimp.