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Here’s a complete care guide and profile for the elegant and highly sought-after Black Moscow Guppy – one of the most stunning guppy varieties in the hobby.
🐟 Black Moscow Guppy – Full Profile & Care Guide
✅ Common Names:
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Black Moscow Guppy
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Moscow Black Guppy
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Jet Black Guppy
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Velvet Guppy (nickname for deep black variants)
🔬 Scientific Classification:
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Poecilia reticulata |
| Family | Poeciliidae |
| Type | Fancy Livebearer |
| Origin | Selectively bred in Russia (Moscow line), derived from wild South American guppies |
🎨 Appearance & Coloration:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Solid jet black or deep velvet black throughout the body and fins |
| Body | Slender, smooth-bodied male; rounder and larger female |
| Tail/Fins | Wide, flowing tail (delta tail common), matching black coloration |
| Size | Males: 1.5 – 2.5 inches (4 – 6.5 cm), Females: 2 – 3 inches (5 – 7.5 cm) |
| Sexual Dimorphism | Males: colorful, smaller, slimmer |
| Females: larger, paler, rounder belly |
🖤 The Black Moscow is prized for its uniform, velvet-like black finish — including fins, which is rare in guppies.
🌡️ Water Parameters:
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F) |
| pH Level | 6.8 – 7.8 |
| Hardness | 8 – 12 dGH (moderate) |
| Ammonia/Nitrite | 0 ppm |
| Water Type | Freshwater (can tolerate light brackish) |
🧪 Maintain stable conditions to keep their coloration dark and health optimal.
🏡 Tank Setup:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | Minimum 10 gallons (for small group) |
| Substrate | Sand or fine gravel |
| Plants | Live plants like Java fern, Anubias, Hornwort – bring contrast to black color |
| Decorations | Driftwood, rocks, smooth ornaments |
| Filtration | Sponge filter or HOB with gentle flow |
| Lighting | Moderate – bright light may dull black over time |
| Tank Lid | Recommended – guppies can jump |
🍽️ Feeding Guide:
| Food Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Staple Diet | High-quality guppy pellets/flakes |
| Live/Frozen Foods | Daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms |
| Vegetable Matter | Spirulina, blanched spinach or peas |
| Feeding Frequency | 2–3 times daily in small amounts |
✅ Feeding color-enhancing food with natural carotenoids can deepen their black pigment.
🧬 Breeding Black Moscow Guppies:
| Breeding Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Livebearer (gives birth to free-swimming fry) |
| Gestation Period | 21 – 30 days |
| Fry per Birth | 20 – 40 fry typically |
| Fry Care | Move to nursery tank or dense plant cover |
| Selective Breeding | Breeders often cull lighter offspring to maintain solid black traits |
⚠️ Breeding true Black Moscow requires keeping genetic purity (avoid crossbreeding with other guppies).
🧾 Quick Profile Summary:
| Trait | Info |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Poecilia reticulata |
| Common Name | Black Moscow Guppy |
| Size | Males: 1.5–2.5", Females: up to 3" |
| Lifespan | 2 – 3 years (up to 5 with care) |
| Temperament | Peaceful, active |
| Swimming Level | Upper to middle |
| Tank Level | Community-friendly |
| Care Level | Easy to moderate |
🤝 Ideal Tank Mates:
| ✅ Good Choices | ❌ Avoid |
|---|---|
| Other fancy guppies | Fin-nipping barbs |
| Mollies, Platies, Tetras | Betta (may chase males) |
| Corydoras, Rasboras, Snails | Large/aggressive cichlids |
| Amano/Cherry Shrimp (with cover) | Predatory fish (Oscars, etc.) |
🧼 Maintenance Tips:
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💧 Weekly 25–30% water changes
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🧪 Test water regularly for ammonia and pH
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🍃 Trim plants to allow open swimming space
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🌡️ Keep heater steady during cooler months
🌟 Highlights & Facts:
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✨ One of the darkest guppies in the hobby – solid black from head to tail
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🧬 Developed from selective Moscow lines, originated in Russia
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🎥 Looks especially beautiful under soft or LED lighting in planted aquariums
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🔒 Keep them in same-line groups for consistent genetics if breeding
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