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Original price was: £18.49.£15.48Current price is: £15.48.
Welcome these beautiful Guppy Poecilia Ret in Pairs Panda Guppies (1 Male + 1 Female) into your peaceful aquarium. Their stunning black and white colors make them elegant companions. Perfect for beginners, they thrive in community tanks and adapt well to various water conditions, enhancing your aquatic environment.
90 in stock
The Guppy, scientifically known as Poecilia reticulata, is a vibrant freshwater fish that is a member of the Poeciliidae family. Originating from the warm waters of South America, particularly in regions like Venezuela, Trinidad, and the Guyanas, these beautiful creatures have become one of the most popular choices for both novice and experienced aquarists alike. Guppies are known for their stunning coloration and patterns, which can vary widely, with the Panda Guppy being a particularly striking variant characterized by its black and white coloration. These fish thrive in a variety of freshwater environments, from slow-moving streams to ponds, making them adaptable and resilient aquatic companions. Their peaceful nature and sociability make them ideal for community tanks, where they can coexist harmoniously with other species.
| Optimal Living Conditions | |
|---|---|
| Water Temperature | 24-27°C (75-81°F) |
| pH Level | 6.5-7.5 |
| Water Hardness | 4-12 dKH |
| Minimum Tank Size | 80L (20 gal) |
| Salinity | Freshwater |
| Care Level | Beginner Friendly |
Guppies are remarkably easy to care for, which makes them perfect for beginners. They require a minimum tank size of 10 gallons to thrive, as this provides ample space for swimming and social interaction. Maintaining a stable water temperature between 22-28°C (72-82°F) is essential for their health. The pH level should ideally be between 6.8 and 7.8, with a hardness range of 5 to 19 dGH. Regular water changes and the use of a reliable aquarium filter are crucial to ensure a clean and stable environment, promoting the overall well-being of these lively fish.
Guppies are known for their lively and playful nature. They are active swimmers that enjoy exploring their environment, often darting around the tank in search of food or interacting with their tank mates. Their social behavior is one of the key reasons they are favored in community aquariums. Guppies thrive in groups, and it’s recommended to keep them in pairs or small schools to reduce stress and promote natural behaviors. They exhibit a peaceful temperament, making them compatible with a variety of other community fish. However, it is essential to monitor their interactions, as overly aggressive tank mates can stress them out. Their playful antics and vibrant colors bring joy to any aquarium, making them a delightful addition to your aquatic family.
Creating an ideal environment for your Guppy fish involves careful consideration of the tank setup. A well-planned aquarium should include a minimum of 10 gallons of water, providing enough space for swimming and social interaction. When choosing the substrate, opt for fine gravel or sand, which is gentle on their delicate fins and allows for easy cleaning. Incorporate live plants and decorations to create hiding spots and territories, as this helps reduce stress and promotes natural behaviors. Floating plants can also provide shade and cover, mimicking their natural habitat. Ensure that the tank is equipped with a reliable filtration system to maintain water quality, as Guppies are sensitive to poor water conditions. Regular maintenance, including water changes and monitoring of water parameters, is vital to keep your aquatic companions healthy and happy.
Important Water Parameter Notice
pH Level: 6.8 – 7.8
Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
Hardness: 5-19 dGH
Maintaining optimal water quality is crucial for the health and longevity of your Guppies. Regularly test the water parameters, including pH, temperature, and hardness, to ensure they remain within the ideal ranges. A pH level between 6.8 and 7.8 is optimal for Guppies, along with a temperature range of 22-28°C (72-82°F). Additionally, monitor the hardness of the water, which should be maintained between 5 and 19 dGH. Frequent water changes—approximately 25% weekly—will help keep the water clean and free from harmful toxins. Utilizing a high-quality aquarium filter will assist in maintaining clear water and providing a stable environment for your aquatic companions.
Guppies are omnivorous fish that thrive on a varied diet. A balanced feeding regimen should include high-quality flake food, pellets, and occasional treats such as frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. It is essential to provide a well-rounded diet to ensure their health and vibrant coloration. Feed your Guppies small amounts 2-3 times daily, ensuring they consume everything within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality. Additionally, incorporating vegetable matter, such as spirulina flakes or blanched vegetables, can enhance their diet and promote overall health. Monitoring their feeding habits and adjusting portions as needed will help keep your aquatic companions happy and thriving.
Ideal Tank Mates
Guppies are peaceful community fish that can coexist with a variety of other species. Ideal tank mates include Neon Tetras, Endler’s Guppies, Corydoras Catfish, Cherry Barbs, and Platies. It is essential to avoid aggressive species that may stress or harm your Guppies. Monitoring interactions and ensuring a balanced male-to-female ratio can help reduce aggression and promote a harmonious environment. When introducing new tank mates, it is advisable to acclimate them slowly to minimize stress and ensure compatibility. By choosing suitable companions, you can create a vibrant and lively community tank that showcases the beauty of your Guppies and their friends.
Maintaining the health and wellness of your Guppies is paramount to ensuring a long and vibrant life. Regular observation is key; look for signs of stress, such as unusual swimming patterns, lethargy, or loss of appetite. Common health issues include fin rot, ich, and swim bladder disease. To prevent these conditions, ensure a clean and stable environment, maintain optimal water quality, and provide a balanced diet. Quarantine new fish before introducing them to the main tank to prevent the spread of diseases. If any health issues arise, prompt action is necessary. Consult a knowledgeable aquarist or veterinarian for advice on treatment options and preventive measures to keep your Guppies healthy and thriving.
Breeding Guppies can be a rewarding experience for aquarists. Guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs. To encourage breeding, provide a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots for the fry. A male-to-female ratio of 1:2 is ideal to reduce stress on females and increase breeding success. After mating, females will carry the fertilized eggs for about 4-6 weeks before giving birth. Once the fry are born, it is essential to provide them with suitable food, such as finely crushed flakes or specialized fry food. Keeping the fry in a separate tank can help protect them from adult fish, which may see them as food. With proper care and attention, you can successfully breed and raise healthy Guppy fry.
Acclimating your new Guppy fish to their new environment is a crucial step in ensuring their health and reducing stress. Begin by floating the sealed bag containing the Guppies in the aquarium for about 15-20 minutes to allow the temperature to equalize. After this, gradually introduce small amounts of tank water into the bag over the next hour, allowing the fish to acclimate to the water parameters. Once acclimated, gently release the Guppies into the tank using a net to avoid adding bag water, which may contain harmful substances. This gradual acclimation process helps reduce shock and allows your new aquatic companions to settle into their new home more comfortably.
The long-term care of Guppies involves regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure they thrive in their environment. Guppies typically have a lifespan of 2-3 years, so providing consistent care is essential. Regular water changes, monitoring water parameters, and maintaining a balanced diet will contribute to their overall health and vitality. Additionally, keeping an eye on their social dynamics and ensuring a peaceful community environment will help reduce stress and promote well-being. As they grow, you may need to adjust tank conditions or upgrade to a larger tank to accommodate their needs. By committing to their care, you can enjoy the beauty and joy that Guppies bring to your aquarium for years to come.
Recreating the natural habitat of Guppies can enhance their well-being and encourage natural behaviors. In the wild, Guppies inhabit shallow waters with abundant vegetation, providing cover and foraging opportunities. To mimic this environment, incorporate live plants, such as Java moss, Anubias, or floating plants, into your aquarium. These plants not only provide hiding spots but also contribute to water quality by absorbing nitrates and releasing oxygen. Additionally, consider adding driftwood or rocks to create a more natural landscape. Ensuring proper lighting and water flow will further enhance the habitat, allowing your Guppies to thrive in an environment that closely resembles their natural surroundings.
As seasons change, it is essential to adjust your care routine for Guppies to ensure their continued health and happiness. During warmer months, monitor the water temperature closely, as higher temperatures can lead to stress and health issues. Consider using fans or chillers to maintain optimal conditions if your tank temperature rises above the recommended range. In colder months, ensure that your aquarium heater is functioning correctly to maintain a stable temperature. Additionally, adjusting the lighting duration can help simulate natural seasonal changes, promoting healthy growth and breeding behaviors. By being proactive in your care routine, you can ensure that your Guppies remain vibrant and healthy throughout the year.
For those looking to deepen their knowledge and enhance their experience with Guppies, here are some expert tips. Firstly, consider maintaining a breeding colony to enjoy the beauty of various color morphs and patterns. Keeping a diverse group of Guppies can lead to fascinating breeding results. Secondly, invest in a quality aquarium filter to ensure optimal water quality, as Guppies are sensitive to poor conditions. Regularly test your water parameters to catch any fluctuations early. Lastly, engage with fellow aquarists through forums or local clubs to share experiences and gather insights. By continuously learning and adapting your care techniques, you can provide the best possible environment for your aquatic companions.
Despite your best efforts, you may encounter challenges while caring for your Guppies. Common issues include fin rot, which can be caused by poor water quality or aggressive tank mates. To address this, ensure that your water parameters are stable and consider separating aggressive fish. If fin rot occurs, a salt bath or antibiotic treatment may be necessary. Another common problem is ich, a parasitic infection that manifests as white spots on the fish. To treat ich, raise the water temperature gradually and use a specialized medication. By being observant and proactive, you can resolve issues quickly and maintain a healthy environment for your Guppies.
The Guppy, or Poecilia reticulata, has been the subject of extensive scientific research due to its fascinating genetics and adaptability. Belonging to the Poeciliidae family, Guppies are known for their remarkable color variations and patterns, which are influenced by environmental factors and selective breeding. Research has shown that Guppies exhibit complex social behaviors, including mate choice and schooling dynamics. Their ability to thrive in various freshwater habitats has made them a model organism for studies in ecology and evolution. Conservation efforts are essential to protect their natural habitats, as pollution and habitat destruction threaten their populations in the wild. Understanding the scientific background of Guppies can enhance your appreciation of these beautiful fish and their role in aquatic ecosystems.
For experienced aquarists looking to elevate their Guppy care, consider implementing advanced techniques. One approach is to establish a breeding program to selectively breed for desired traits, such as coloration or fin shape. Keeping detailed records of breeding pairs and offspring can help track genetic traits and improve the quality of your Guppy stock. Additionally, experimenting with different types of food, including high-quality live or frozen options, can enhance their coloration and overall health. Regularly participating in local aquarist clubs or competitions can provide valuable insights and foster a sense of community among fellow enthusiasts. By embracing advanced care techniques, you can ensure that your Guppies not only thrive but also contribute to the ongoing enjoyment and education of the aquarium hobby.
For Guppy Poecilia Ret, a minimum tank size of 40 litres is recommended. This size provides ample swimming space and allows for the establishment of territories. Guppies are active swimmers and thrive in environments where they can explore. A larger tank also helps maintain stable water parameters, reducing stress and illness. If you wish to keep additional tank mates, consider increasing the tank size further to ensure all fish have enough room to coexist harmoniously.
✓ Expert Tip
Always cycle your tank before introducing your guppies to ensure a stable environment.
Guppy Poecilia Ret flourish in slightly alkaline water with a pH range of 7.0 to 8.0. The ideal water temperature should be maintained between 24°C to 28°C. Regular testing is crucial to ensure ammonia and nitrite levels remain at zero, whilst nitrates should be kept below 20 ppm. Stable water conditions will promote their health and wellbeing. Regular water changes of 10-15% weekly help maintain these parameters and prevent the buildup of harmful substances.
✓ Expert Tip
Use a good quality water conditioner to remove harmful chemicals from tap water before adding it to your aquarium.
Feeding Guppy Poecilia Ret should occur 2-3 times per day, providing small amounts that can be consumed within a few minutes. Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality and health issues. A varied diet is essential; consider high-quality flake foods, frozen or live foods like brine shrimp or daphnia, and vegetable matter to ensure a balanced diet. Regularly observe their feeding habits to adjust portions accordingly and maintain their health.
✓ Expert Tip
Introduce new foods gradually to prevent digestive issues.
Guppy Poecilia Ret are generally peaceful and can coexist with a variety of other species. Ideal tank mates include other small, peaceful fish such as neon tetras, rasboras, and Corydoras catfish. Avoid larger or aggressive fish that may see guppies as prey. It is also wise to house them with fish that have similar water parameter requirements to ensure a harmonious aquarium environment.
✓ Expert Tip
Introduce new tank mates gradually to reduce stress among existing fish.
Acclimatisation is crucial for the health of your Guppy Poecilia Ret. Start by floating the sealed bag in the aquarium for about 15-20 minutes to equalise the temperature. Next, gradually introduce small amounts of aquarium water into the bag over a period of one hour. This process helps them adjust to the new water chemistry. After acclimatisation, gently release the fish into the tank, avoiding adding the bag water to prevent contamination.
✓ Expert Tip
Use a net to transfer the fish to avoid introducing any pathogens from the bag.
Healthy Guppy Poecilia Ret exhibit vibrant colours, clear eyes, and active behaviour. They should swim freely without signs of distress, such as hiding or lethargy. Regular feeding and a healthy appetite are also indicators of good health. Additionally, observe for any signs of illness, such as frayed fins, lesions, or unusual swimming patterns, which may indicate stress or disease.
✓ Expert Tip
Regularly monitor your fish to ensure they remain healthy and thriving.
Breeding Guppy Poecilia Ret is relatively straightforward. Ensure that you have a male and female pair, as well as a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots. The ideal water conditions should be maintained, similar to their normal habitat. Once the female is pregnant, which can be identified by a dark gravid spot near her abdomen, she will give birth to live fry after approximately 4-6 weeks. Provide fine food for the fry, such as powdered flakes or infusoria, to ensure their growth.
✓ Expert Tip
Consider using a breeding box to protect the fry from being eaten by adult fish.
The ideal temperature range for Guppy Poecilia Ret is between 24°C to 28°C. Maintaining a stable temperature is crucial, as fluctuations can lead to stress and health issues. A reliable aquarium heater is recommended, along with a thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately. Regular checks will help ensure that the water remains within this optimal range for your guppies.
✓ Expert Tip
Avoid placing your tank near windows or heat sources to prevent temperature fluctuations.
In captivity, Guppy Poecilia Ret typically live for 2 to 3 years, though proper care can extend their lifespan. Providing a well-maintained environment, stable water conditions, and a balanced diet will contribute to their overall health. Regular monitoring for signs of illness and prompt treatment can also help ensure a longer, healthier life for your aquatic companions.
✓ Expert Tip
Keeping a stress-free environment is key to promoting longevity in your guppies.
For Guppy Poecilia Ret, a fine substrate such as sand or smooth gravel is ideal. These materials allow for easy cleaning and prevent any damage to their delicate fins. Additionally, a substrate that encourages plant growth can enhance the beauty of the aquarium and provide hiding spots for fry. Ensure that the substrate is free from sharp edges to maintain a safe environment for your fish.
✓ Expert Tip
Consider adding live plants to enhance the aesthetic and provide additional cover.
Guppy Poecilia Ret are generally social and thrive in groups. They exhibit playful behaviour, often seen darting around and exploring their surroundings. Males may display territorial behaviour, especially during mating displays. It is important to provide ample space and hiding spots to reduce stress and aggression. Observing their interactions can be quite rewarding, as they often engage in playful chases.
✓ Expert Tip
Consider keeping a larger group of guppies to enhance their social behaviour.
Preventing diseases in Guppy Poecilia Ret involves maintaining high water quality and a stable environment. Regular water changes, proper filtration, and avoiding overstocking are essential. Quarantining new fish before introducing them to your main tank can prevent the spread of illness. Additionally, keeping an eye on your fish for any signs of stress or illness allows for early intervention, which is crucial for their health.
✓ Expert Tip
Regularly inspect your fish for any unusual behaviour or physical changes.
Guppy Poecilia Ret prefer moderate lighting that mimics their natural habitat. Bright lights can cause stress, so it is best to use a light that allows for some shaded areas in the tank. A consistent light cycle of 10-12 hours per day is ideal to simulate natural conditions. Consider using adjustable LED lights that can be dimmed to suit your aquarium’s needs.
✓ Expert Tip
Provide a photoperiod to promote healthy growth and behaviour in your guppies.
Signs of stress in Guppy Poecilia Ret may include hiding, erratic swimming, or clamped fins. They may also lose their appetite or display aggressive behaviour. It is vital to monitor their environment closely, as stress can lead to illness. Ensuring adequate space, proper water conditions, and a peaceful setting will help alleviate stress and promote a healthy, thriving aquarium.
✓ Expert Tip
Address any water quality issues promptly to minimise stress levels.
Guppy Poecilia Ret are native to freshwater streams and rivers, often found in densely vegetated areas. To replicate their natural habitat, include live plants, driftwood, and rocks in your aquarium. This not only provides hiding spots but also encourages natural behaviours. Ensure the water is clean and well-filtered, reflecting the conditions they thrive in, to promote health and vitality.
✓ Expert Tip
Incorporate varied plant species to enhance your aquarium’s aesthetic and environment.
Emily Carter (verified owner) –
I recently purchased the Guppy Poecilia Ret in Pairs Panda Guppies (1 Male + Female), and I couldn’t be happier with my choice! After a week of observing them in my 20-gallon tank, they have completely transformed my aquarium into a vibrant ecosystem. The male’s striking colors and the female’s graceful movements are a joy to watch. As a caring fish parent, I prioritize fish health and happiness, and these guppies seem to thrive together. They are indeed social fish, often swimming side by side and exploring their surroundings. Compared to other guppy pairs I’ve had in the past, this pair is more active and engaging, which really enhances the overall tank experience. A minor concern was the initial acclimation process, but with proper temperature adjustment, they settled in beautifully. I recommend these guppies for anyone looking to add lively companions to their aquarium. They make perfect pets for both beginners and seasoned aquarists. I’ll definitely be looking to add more from this range in the future!
Emily Carter (verified owner) –
I recently purchased a pair of these Panda Guppies (1 male and 1 female), and I couldn’t be happier! As a caring fish parent, I always prioritize the well-being and happiness of my aquatic friends, and these guppies have truly exceeded my expectations. They arrived in perfect health, bright and lively, and after about a week of settling in, they’ve become the stars of my peaceful aquarium.
Their striking black and white coloration adds such a unique flair to my tank, and I’ve noticed they interact beautifully with my other freshwater fish. Unlike other guppy varieties I’ve kept, these little ones are particularly friendly and seem to thrive in a community setup. The male is especially active, often displaying his fins and showing off!
One minor thing to note is that they can be a bit shy at first, so giving them some plants to hide in really helps them feel secure. If you’re a beginner or someone looking to add a splash of color and personality to your tank, these guppies are ideal companions. I highly recommend them to anyone wanting to enhance their aquarium experience. Shipping was quick, and they arrived exactly as described. I will definitely be purchasing more in the future!