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Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.
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
To avail free shipping, purchase amount should be Rs350/-(for Aquarium Accessories and Aquatic Plants) or more, less than the above amount shipping charges applicable Rs70/- only. For live fish delivery charges applicable at the time of checkout.
Orders are normally Shipped within 1-2 days and usually take 2-5 working days to be delivered based on your location. However, you will receive an approximate timeline when you place your order.
To ensure that your order reaches you quickly and in good condition, we only ship through reputed courier agencies.
