The Black Metal Lace Guppy is a beautiful and popular variety of guppy fish. They are known for their deep black coloration and intricate white or light-colored lacy patterns. Male Black Metal Lace Guppies have large, flowing tails that are often brightly colored. Female Black Metal Lace Guppies are smaller and have smaller tails, but they are still very attractive.
What is a Black Metal Lace Guppy?
The black metal lace guppy is a selectively bred variety of the guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata), which is native to northeastern South America and the Caribbean islands. The exact origin of the black metal lace guppy is unknown, but it is thought to have been developed in the late 1970s or 1980s.
Metal black lace guppies are now bred and sold all over the world, and they are one of the most popular varieties of guppies among aquarists. They are known for their unique and beautiful coloration, as well as their hardiness and ease of care.
Appearance of Male and Female Black Metal Lace Guppies
- Male Black Metal Lace Guppies: Male Black Metal Lace Guppies are typically larger than females and have more elaborate fins. Their tails are often brightly colored and have intricate lacy patterns. Their bodies are also usually black with white or light-colored markings.
- Female Black Metal Lace Guppies: Female Black Metal Lace Guppies are smaller than males and have smaller tails. Their tails are not as brightly colored as males, but they may still have some lacy patterns. Their bodies are also usually black with white or light-colored markings.
Origin
The black metal lace guppy is a selectively bred variety of the guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata), which is native to northeastern South America and the Caribbean islands. The exact origin of the black metal lace guppy is unknown, but it is thought to have been developed in the 1970s or 1980s.
Metal Black lace guppies are now bred and sold all over the world, and they are one of the most popular varieties of guppies among aquarists. They are known for their unique and beautiful coloration, as well as their hardiness and ease of care.
Tank Setup
Tank Setup for Black Metal Lace Guppies
Black Metal Lace Guppies are relatively easy to care for fish, but they do require a properly set up aquarium in order to thrive. Here are some tips for setting up an aquarium for Black Metal Lace Guppies:
- Tank Size: Black Metal Lace Guppies can be kept in a tank as small as 10 gallons, but a 20-gallon tank is ideal. This will give them enough space to swim and explore.
- Water Parameters: Black Metal Lace Guppies prefer water with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 and a temperature of 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. They also prefer water that is moderately hard to hard.
- Filtration: Black Metal Lace Guppies require a good filtration system to keep their water clean. A hang-on-back filter or canister filter is ideal.
- Decorations: Black Metal Lace Guppies appreciate live plants in their aquarium, but they are not necessary. If you do choose to add plants, be sure to choose plants that are safe for fish.
Breeding
Black metal lace guppies are relatively easy to breed, but there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure success.
First, you will need to select a healthy breeding pair. The male should be brightly colored and have a large tail fin. The female should be larger and have a more subdued coloration.
Once you have selected a breeding pair, you will need to set up a breeding tank. This tank should be at least 10 gallons in size and should have plenty of plants and hiding places for the fry. The water temperature should be between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and the pH should be between 6.8 and 7.8.
Once the breeding tank is set up, you can introduce the breeding pair. The male will likely chase the female around the tank until she is ready to mate. Once she is ready, she will allow the male to fertilize her eggs.
The female guppy will carry the fertilized eggs for about 21 to 30 days before giving birth. Once the fry are born, they will be able to swim and feed on their own. You can feed the fry baby brine shrimp, infusoria, or microworms.
It is important to note that the adult guppies may eat their fry, so it is best to remove the fry from the breeding tank as soon as they are born. You can place the fry in a grow-out tank or net breeder.
Once the fry are about 6 weeks old, you can introduce them to the main aquarium.
Here are some additional tips for breeding black metal lace guppies:
- Choose a breeding pair from different bloodlines to increase the chances of producing healthy offspring.
- Feed the breeding pair a high-quality diet to ensure that they are healthy and well-conditioned.
- Perform regular water changes in the breeding tank to maintain good water quality.
- Monitor the breeding pair closely and remove the female from the tank if she appears to be stressed.
- Be prepared to remove the fry from the breeding tank as soon as they are born to prevent them from being eaten by the adults.
With a little care and attention, you can successfully breed black metal lace guppies and produce beautiful and healthy offspring.
Feeding
Proper nutrition is key to maintaining the health and vibrancy of your Black Metal Lace Guppies. These fish are not picky eaters and will readily accept various types of food:
- High-Quality Flake Food: A staple in their diet, high-quality flake food ensures they receive essential nutrients.
- Live and Frozen Foods: Occasionally supplement their diet with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. This enhances their coloration and overall health.
- Vegetables: Guppies can also benefit from blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini. These provide fiber and nutrients.
- Pellets: Specially formulated guppy pellets are an excellent choice as they are designed to meet their specific dietary needs.
- Frequency: Feed your guppies small amounts 2-3 times a day, ensuring they consume all the food within a few minutes to maintain water quality.
Common Diseases
Like all fish, Black Metal Lace Guppies are susceptible to certain diseases. Being aware of these potential health issues is essential for their well-being.
1. Ich (White Spot Disease)
Ich is a common ailment that manifests as small white cysts on the guppy’s body and fins. It’s caused by a parasite. Quarantine new fish and maintain good water quality to prevent ich.
2. Fin Rot
Fin rot is characterized by the degradation of the fins and tail. It can result from poor water quality or injuries. Maintain clean water, and remove any aggressive tankmates.
3. Dropsy
Dropsy is a severe condition marked by bloating and swelling in the abdomen. It may indicate internal organ failure. Isolate affected fish and consult a veterinarian.
4. Velvet Disease
Velvet disease appears as a fine, golden dust on the fish’s skin and gills. It’s a parasitic infection. Quarantine and treat affected fish with appropriate medication.
5. Columnaris
Columnaris is a bacterial infection that causes frayed fins and skin ulcers. Maintain water quality and isolate infected fish.
Best Place to buy Black Metal Lace Guppies?
There are a few places where you can buy Black Metal Lace Guppies:
- Local aquarium fish stores: This is often the best place to buy Black Metal Lace Guppies, as you can see the fish in person and make sure that they are healthy.
- Online retailers: There are also a number of online retailers that sell Black Metal Lace Guppies such as Dansfish.com or ebay. However, it is important to do your research before buying fish online, to make sure that you are buying from a reputable retailer.
- Breeders: You can also buy Black Metal Lace Guppies from breeders like michaelsfishroom.com. This is a good option if you are looking for high-quality fish or if you are having difficulty finding Black Metal Lace Guppies in your local area.
If you are unsure of where to buy Black Metal Lace Guppies, you can ask your local aquarium fish store for recommendations. They can also help you to find a reputable online retailer or breeder.
How Much Do black metal Lace guppies cost?
The cost of black metal lace guppies varies depending on the store you purchase them from, the quality of the fish, and the time of year. However, you can expect to pay between $5 and $20 per fish. If you are looking for a breeding pair you can expect to pay around $50 from quality breeding stock.
If you are looking for the best possible quality fish, you may be willing to pay a premium price. However, there are also many good quality black metal lace guppies available at more affordable prices.
It is important to note that the price of black metal lace guppies may also vary depending on the size and sex of the fish. Male guppies are typically more expensive than female guppies, and larger fish are also more expensive than smaller fish.
