Panda Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Description:
The Panda Guppy is a beautiful guppy variety named for its contrasting black and white coloration. It typically features a pale silvery-blue body with deep black markings on the tail, dorsal fin, and near the face, resembling the pattern of a panda. The flowing, fan-like tail and delicate fins make this guppy a standout in any aquarium.

Size:
Up to 2 inches (5 cm)

Aquarium Size:
A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for a small group, with larger tanks preferred for breeding colonies and improved water quality.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)

• pH: 6.8 to 7.8

• Hardness: Moderate to hard

Temperament:
Panda Guppies are peaceful community fish. Males may occasionally show mild competitive behavior when kept together but are generally well-suited for calm community setups.

Group Size:
Best kept in groups of 6 or more. A ratio of 1 male to 2-3 females is recommended when keeping mixed groups to prevent stress and excessive breeding.

Compatibility:
Panda Guppies are highly compatible with other peaceful species such as tetras, rasboras, corydoras catfish, and other livebearers. Avoid housing them with fin-nipping species or aggressive tankmates due to their delicate, flowing fins.

Diet:
Omnivorous. They thrive on a varied diet including high-quality guppy flakes, micro pellets, and frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia. Occasional vegetable matter like blanched spinach or spirulina-based foods can be added for balance.

Care Level:
Beginner. Panda Guppies are hardy and adaptable, making them an excellent choice for beginner aquarists. Stable water conditions are essential for long-term health.

Planted Aquarium:
Panda Guppies are ideal for planted aquariums. The plants provide shelter, reduce stress, and enhance the contrast of their unique coloration while contributing to water quality.

Invertebrate Compatibility:
Safe with peaceful invertebrates such as snails and larger shrimp. However, very small shrimp fry could be at risk of predation.

Additional Notes:
Panda Guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry. If breeding is not desired, consider keeping only males or ensuring plenty of plant cover for fry protection. Their flowing fins can be more susceptible to damage, so avoid housing them with aggressive species.

Disclaimer:
Aquarium Arts cannot guarantee compatibility with your current fish or the fish you buy and cannot be held liable for fish lost due to aggression.