The Electric Blue Moscow Guppy is a selectively bred variety of the common guppy (Poecilia reticulata), which is a popular freshwater aquarium fish. This particular tropical guppy variety is known for its striking coloration and appearance.
The “Electric Blue” part of the name refers to the vibrant, metallic blue coloration of the fish. The “Moscow” part of the name comes from the fact that this variety of guppy was developed in Russia, particularly in Moscow, where breeders focused on refining and intensifying the blue coloration.
Electric Blue Moscow Guppies typically have a deep, bright blue coloration covering their entire body, including their fins. They are often characterized by a solid, non-variegated blue color, which sets them apart from other guppy varieties that may have multiple colors or patterns.
These tropical fish guppies are popular in the aquarium hobby due to their beautiful appearance and relatively easy care requirements. They are a peaceful and hardy species, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists. However, like all guppies, they require clean water, proper filtration, and a well-maintained aquarium to thrive.
In this guide on the electric blue moscow guppy we explore how to breed, tank setup and best places to buy electric blue moscow guppies
Key Characteristics and Care Guidelines
- Appearance: The most defining feature of Electric Blue Moscow Guppies is their intense metallic blue color. The entire body of the fish, including the scales and fins, is typically a solid, shimmering blue.
- Size: Electric Blue Moscow Guppies are small fish. They typically reach an adult size of about 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5.1 centimeters) in length, making them suitable for smaller aquariums.
- Tank size: A minimum of 10 gallons for a group of 6 fish.
- Diet: They are omnivorous and accept a wide range of foods. Their diet should include high-quality flake or pellet food, supplemented with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
- Origin: The Electric Blue Moscow Guppy is a relatively new guppy variety, and its exact origin is unknown. However, it is believed to have been developed in Russia in the late 1970s or early 1980s.
- Lifespan: Guppies typically have a lifespan of about 2-3 years in well-maintained aquarium conditions.
- Social Behavior: Peaceful, Schooling fish that swims in the top half of the water column.
- Tank Mates: Blue Hawaiian Moscow Guppy, Red Moscow Guppy, Black Moscow Guppy, Blue Moscow Guppy, Spotted Cory Ember Tetra
Electric Blue Moscow Guppy Guide
Tank Setup:
Setting up an ideal aquarium for Electric Blue Moscow Guppies is crucial to their well-being. Here’s what you should consider:
- Tank Size: A 10 to 20-gallon aquarium is generally suitable for a small group of guppies. Ensure that the tank is properly cycled before adding fish to maintain water quality.
- Filtration: Use a reliable aquarium filter to keep the water clean and maintain stable water parameters. Guppies are sensitive to ammonia and nitrites, so efficient filtration is vital.
- Temperature: Maintain a water temperature between 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C), as guppies thrive in slightly warm water.
- Lighting: Moderate aquarium lighting is sufficient. Provide some plants, both live and artificial, to create hiding spots and enhance the aesthetics of the tank.
- Substrate: Guppies are versatile when it comes to substrate, but a fine gravel or sand substrate works well. They appreciate plants and decorations for shelter and breeding.
- Water Parameters: Keep the water pH level around 7.0, and ensure hardness between 10-30 dGH. Regularly test and monitor these parameters to maintain a stable environment.
Feeding:
- High-Quality Flakes or Pellets: Guppies readily accept high-quality flake foods or pellets designed for tropical fish. Look for products with a good balance of proteins, fats, and essential nutrients.
- Live and Frozen Foods: Occasionally supplement their diet with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms. These provide essential nutrients and variety.
- Frequency: Feed your guppies small portions 2-3 times a day. Ensure that they consume their food within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding, which can lead to water quality issues.
- Vegetable Matter: Guppies also benefit from occasional offerings of vegetable matter, such as blanched spinach or zucchini. This provides fiber and helps mimic their natural diet.
How to Breed Electric Blue Moscow Guppies Guide
Breeding Electric Blue Moscow Guppies, like breeding other guppy varieties, is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to breeding these beautiful fish:
1. Prepare a Breeding Tank:
- Set up a separate breeding tank or partition within the main tank. A small tank of around 5 to 10 gallons is usually sufficient.
- Ensure the tank is well-maintained, with stable water parameters, proper filtration, and appropriate hiding spots for fry (baby guppies).
- Maintain a stable water temperature between 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C).
2. Select Healthy Guppies:
- Choose a male and female Electric Blue Moscow Guppy with desirable coloration and good health for breeding. Make sure they are mature, typically around 4-6 months old.
3. Conditioning:
- Prior to breeding, condition both the male and female guppies with a high-quality diet. Offer them a variety of foods, including live or frozen foods, to boost their health and fertility.
4. Introduce the Pair:
- Place the selected male and female in the breeding tank. Ensure that there are plenty of hiding spots or live plants for the female to seek refuge from the male, as guppies can sometimes be aggressive during courtship.
5. Courtship and Mating:
- The male will display his beautiful colors and try to impress the female. Guppies are livebearers, so the male will fertilize the eggs inside the female’s body.
- Courtship and mating can happen quite quickly, and it’s common for guppies to mate multiple times over a few hours.
6. Monitor for Pregnancy:
- Once mating occurs, the female will become pregnant, and you will notice a gravid spot near her ventral area, which is a dark spot indicating pregnancy. This spot will become more pronounced as the pregnancy progresses.
7. Separate the Female:
- After mating, it’s a good idea to remove the pregnant female and place her in a separate tank or a breeding box within the same tank to protect her from potential aggression and ensure the safety of the fry when they are born.
8. Gestation and Birth:
- The gestation period for guppies is typically around 3 to 4 weeks. During this time, the female will carry the developing fry inside her body.
- When the female is ready to give birth, she will release the live fry, and they will swim around the tank. The female should be removed promptly to prevent her from eating the fry.
9. Fry Care:
- The fry are tiny and vulnerable, so provide them with small live foods like baby brine shrimp, microworms, or crushed flakes to ensure their growth and survival.
- Maintain excellent water quality with frequent water changes to keep the fry healthy.
Where To buy Electric Blue Moscow Guppies and average price
You can purchase Electric Blue Moscow Guppies from various sources, both online and in-person. Here are some common options for where to buy them, along with approximate average prices:
Local Aquarium Stores:
- Many local fish stores or aquarium shops may carry Electric Blue Moscow Guppies. Prices can vary depending on the location, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $15 per fish, with the exact price influenced by factors like coloration and the reputation of the breeder or store.
Aquarium Clubs and Societies:
- Joining a local aquarium club or society can be a great way to connect with fellow hobbyists and potentially find guppy enthusiasts who are willing to trade or sell fish at reasonable prices.
Online Retailers:
- Numerous online retailers and dedicated guppy breeding websites offer Electric Blue Moscow Guppies. Prices can vary, but on average, you might find these guppies priced between $5 and $20 per fish, excluding shipping costs. Keep in mind that shipping fees can vary based on your location and the seller’s policies.
Online Marketplaces:
- Platforms like eBay, Aquabid, and private sellers on social media groups may also have Electric Blue Moscow Guppies available for purchase. Prices can vary widely on these platforms, so it’s important to research the seller’s reputation and check the fish’s quality.
Local Breeder or Hobbyist:
- Connecting with local breeders or fellow hobbyists through online forums, social media groups, or local fish club meetings can be an excellent way to find Electric Blue Moscow Guppies. Prices might be more reasonable, and you can often get firsthand information about the fish’s care and genetics.
Auction Websites:
- Some breeders may list their guppies on auction websites, allowing you to bid on the fish. Prices can vary greatly depending on the demand and the quality of the fish.
The price you’ll pay for Electric Blue Moscow Guppies can vary widely based on factors such as the fish’s age, color quality, lineage, and the reputation of the breeder or seller. Always prioritize purchasing from reputable sources to ensure you receive healthy and well-cared-for fish. Additionally, consider the shipping costs and conditions when buying online, as these can significantly impact the total cost.
