Neon blue guppy is a beautiful and popular breed of guppy fish. They are known for their bright blue coloration, which can be especially striking under fluorescent lighting. Neon blue guppies are relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists.
What is a Neon Blue Guppy?
A blue neon guppy is a selectively bred strain of the guppy fish, Poecilia reticulata. It is known for its bright blue coloration, which can change based on the aquarium light. Blue neon guppies are relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists.
Male blue neon guppies are the most colorful, with bright blue tails and fins. Female blue neon guppies are less colorful, but they still have a beautiful sheen to their bodies.
| Characteristic | Neon Blue Guppy |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Neon blue guppy, electric blue guppy, neon blue cobra guppy, neon blue tuxedo guppy, neon blue delta guppy, neon blue veiltail guppy |
| Scientific Name | Poecilia reticulata |
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cyprinodontiformes |
| Family | Poeciliidae |
| Size | Males: 1-1.5 inches, Females: 1.5-2 inches |
| Difficulty Score | Beginner |
| Minimum Tank Size | 10 gallons |
| Best Compatible Tank Mates | Other peaceful fish, such as other guppies, platies, mollies, and swordtails |
| Water Temperature | 72-82°F (22-28°C) |
| pH | 6.8-7.8 |
| Hardness | 2-8 dKH |
| Diet | Omnivore, eats flake food, pellets, live food, and frozen food |
| Lifespan | 2-3 years |
Neon Blue Guppy Origin
The neon blue guppy is not a naturally occurring fish. It is a selectively bred strain of the common guppy, Poecilia reticulata. The original wild guppies are native to South America, but the neon blue variety was developed in captivity by breeders who crossed different strains of guppies to achieve the desired blue coloration.
Neon blue guppies were first introduced to the aquarium hobby in the late 1990s, and they quickly became one of the most popular breeds of guppies.
Neon Blue Guppy Appearance
As the name suggests, Neon Blue Guppies are characterized by their vibrant blue coloration, which can range from light to deep blue hues. Their elongated bodies are typically slender and streamlined. These guppies showcase vibrant and intricate patterns, with colorful tails and fins, making them a visual delight for any aquarium enthusiast. Males are usually more colorful and boast longer, flowing fins, while females tend to be slightly larger and less vibrant.
How Big do neon guppies get?
Neon blue guppies typically reach a maximum size of 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm) in length. Males are typically smaller than females.
The size of a neon blue guppy can be affected by a number of factors, including genetics, diet, and water quality. Guppies kept in well-maintained aquariums with a high-quality diet are more likely to reach their full size potential.
Here are some tips for helping your neon blue guppies reach their full size potential:
- Feed them a high-quality diet that includes a variety of foods, such as flake food, pellets, live food, and frozen food.
- Perform regular water changes to keep the water clean and healthy.
- Provide them with plenty of swimming space and hiding places.
- Avoid overcrowding the tank.
With proper care, your neon blue guppies can live for up to 3 years and reach their full size potential.
Neon Blue Guppy Varieties
| Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| Cobra | Features a winding pattern resembling a cobra’s markings. |
| Tuxedo | Distinguished by a contrasting tuxedo-like pattern. |
| Metallic Blue | Shimmering metallic scales, enhancing the blue coloration. |
How to Care for a Neon Blue Guppy
Proper care is essential to ensure the health and vibrancy of your Neon Blue Guppies. Let’s explore some key considerations.
Neon Blue Guppy Water Parameters
Maintaining the right water conditions is crucial for Neon Blue Guppy health. Here are the ideal parameters:
| Parameter | Optimal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 72-78°F (22-26°C) |
| pH Level | 6.5-8.0 |
| Hardness | 10-15 dGH (general hardness) |
| Ammonia/Nitrite | Near zero |
| Nitrate Levels | Below 40 ppm |
Regular water testing and quality maintenance are essential. Keep in mind that guppies are highly sensitive to water quality, especially ammonia and nitrite levels.
Neon Blue Guppy aquarium Tank Size and Setup
Tank size and requirements
The ideal tank size for neon blue guppies is a minimum of 10 gallons. However, a larger tank is always better, especially if you plan on keeping a larger group of neon blue guppies or breeding them.
When choosing a tank, it is important to consider the following requirements:
- The tank should be made of durable material, such as glass or acrylic.
- The tank should be equipped with a filter and heater.
- The tank should be well-planted with plenty of hiding places for the fish.
Best filter neon blue guppy tank options and why
The best filter for a neon blue guppy tank is one that is powerful enough to filter the entire water volume at least 4-6 times per hour. It is also important to choose a filter that is quiet and easy to maintain.
Here are some of the best filter options for a neon blue guppy tank:
- Hang-on-back filters: Hang-on-back filters are easy to install and maintain, and they are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different tank sizes. Some popular brands of hang-on-back filters include Fluval, AquaClear, and Marineland.
- Canister filters: Canister filters are more powerful than hang-on-back filters, and they can filter larger volumes of water. However, they are also more expensive and more difficult to install and maintain. Some popular brands of canister filters include Fluval, Eheim, and Oase.
- Sponge filters: Sponge filters are a good option for smaller tanks, and they are also a good choice for breeding tanks. Sponge filters are quiet and easy to maintain, but they are not as powerful as hang-on-back or canister filters. Some popular brands of sponge filters include Aquatop
Best substrate options for your neon guppy tank and why
The best substrate for a neon blue guppy tank is one that is fine-grained and does not contain sharp edges. It is also important to choose a substrate that is easy to clean.
Here are some of the best substrate options for a neon blue guppy tank:
- Sand: Sand is a good choice for a neon blue guppy tank because it is soft and fine-grained. Sand is also easy to clean. Some popular brands of sand for aquariums include CaribSea and Aquarium Co-Op.
- Gravel: Gravel is another good option for a neon blue guppy tank. However, it is important to choose a gravel that is fine-grained and does not have sharp edges. Some popular brands of gravel for aquariums include CaribSea and Aquarium Co-Op.
- Bare bottom: A bare bottom tank is also an option for a neon blue guppy tank. Bare bottom tanks are easy to clean, but they can be less aesthetically pleasing than tanks with substrate.
Best heater options for a neon blue guppy tank
The best heater for a neon blue guppy tank is one that is adjustable and has a built-in thermostat. It is also important to choose a heater that is the right size for your tank.
Here are some of the best heater options for a neon blue guppy tank:
- Submersible heaters: Submersible heaters are the most common type of heater used in aquariums. They are easy to install and use, and they are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different tank sizes. Some popular brands of submersible heaters include Fluval, Eheim, and Marineland.
- Inline heaters: Inline heaters are a good option for larger tanks. They are more powerful than submersible heaters, and they can heat larger volumes of water. However, they are also more expensive and more difficult to install and maintain. Some popular brands of inline heaters include Fluval and Eheim.
Setting up the tank
Once you have chosen your tank, filter, substrate, and heater, you are ready to start setting up the tank.
To set up the tank:
- Place the tank in a level location out of direct sunlight.
- Add the substrate to the tank.
- Add the filter to the tank.
- Add the heater to the tank.
- Fill the tank with water.
- Add a dechlorinator to the water to remove any chlorine or chloramine.
- Test the water temperature and pH. Adjust the temperature and pH to the desired levels, if necessary.
- Plant the tank with live plants.
- Add the fish to the tank.
Tips for setting up the tank:
- Cycle the tank before adding fish. This will allow the beneficial bacteria to colonize the tank and establish the nitrogen cycle.
- Start with a small number of fish and gradually add more fish over time.
- Test the water regularly to ensure that it is
The Best Plants for Neon Blue Guppies
Live plants not only enhance the visual appeal of your tank but also serve as hiding places and contribute to water quality. Some excellent plant choices for Neon Blue Guppy tanks include:
| Plant | Notes |
|---|---|
| Java Moss | Provides cover for fry and serves as a spawning site. |
| Anubias | Resilient and low-maintenance plant. |
| Amazon Sword | Offers shade and hiding spots. |
| Duckweed | Floats on the water surface, providing shade and shelter. |
Neon Blue Guppy Feeding
When it comes to feeding your Neon Blue Guppies, you have a few options. The primary types of food for guppies include flake or pellet food, freeze-dried foods, and live or frozen foods. Here are some specific examples of each type, including brands, that you can find online:
- Flake and Pellet Food:
- Brand: Hikari Micro Pellets
- Type: High-quality micro pellets suitable for the small mouths of guppies. These pellets contain essential nutrients and are easy for guppies to consume.
- Brand: TetraMin Tropical Flakes
- Type: These tropical flakes are a staple in the aquarium hobby and provide a well-rounded diet for guppies. They contain a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.
- Freeze-Dried Foods:
- Brand: Omega One Freeze-Dried Bloodworms
- Type: Freeze-dried bloodworms are a nutritious and protein-rich treat for guppies. Omega One offers a reliable product that guppies will eagerly devour.
- Brand: San Francisco Bay Brand Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp
- Type: Freeze-dried brine shrimp are another excellent source of protein. This brand provides a quality product that’s readily accepted by guppies.
- Live and Frozen Foods:
- Live Food Source: Baby Brine Shrimp
- Type: Newly hatched baby brine shrimp are an exceptional live food for guppy fry. You can hatch them at home or purchase them from suppliers specializing in live food cultures.
- Frozen Food Source: Hikari Bio-Pure Daphnia
- Type: Frozen daphnia is a great source of natural nutrition. Hikari’s Bio-Pure line offers high-quality, pathogen-free frozen foods.
When feeding your guppies, it’s essential to consider their size and the amount of food they can consume in a couple of minutes. Overfeeding can lead to water quality issues, so it’s better to feed small portions multiple times a day. Guppies have tiny mouths, so ensure the food you choose is appropriately sized for them.
Neon Blue Guppy Diseases, Treatment, and Prevention
Like any fish, Neon Blue Guppies can be susceptible to common aquarium diseases. Here are some vital points to keep in mind:
Common Diseases:
- Ich (White Spot Disease): Treat with aquarium salt or medications.
- Fin Rot: Maintain excellent water quality, and consider antibiotic treatments.
- Guppy Disease: Isolate affected fish and use appropriate medications.
Preventive Measures:
- Quarantine new fish before introducing them to your main tank.
- Maintain optimal water quality and temperature.
- Avoid overstocking and stress factors.
Neon Blue Guppy Tank Mates
Guppies are peaceful community fish that generally get along well with various other species. Ideal tank mates for Neon Blue Guppies include:
- Tetras: Such as Neon Tetras or Cardinal Tetras.
- Platies: Colorful and peaceful companions.
- Corydoras Catfish: Bottom-dwellers that won’t bother guppies.
- Guppies – Platinum Guppies, Mosaic Guppy Swordtail Guppy Golden Guppy Black Moscow Guppy Blue Moscow Guppy Blue Cobra Guppy
However, avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species, as guppies’ flowing fins make them vulnerable.
How to Breed Neon Blue Guppies
Neon blue guppies are relatively easy to breed. To breed neon blue guppies, you will need a male and a female guppy, a breeding tank, and some live food for the fry.
Setting up the breeding tank:
The breeding tank should be at least 10 gallons in size and should be well-planted with plenty of hiding places for the fry. The water temperature should be between 72°F and 82°F (22°C and 28°C). The pH should be between 6.8 and 7.8, and the hardness should be between 2 and 8 dKH.
Introducing the male and female guppy:
Once the breeding tank is set up, you can introduce the male and female guppy. The male will start to court the female by swimming around her and displaying his fins. If the female is receptive, she will allow the male to fertilize her eggs.
Pregnancy and birth:
The female guppy will be pregnant for about 21 to 30 days. After she gives birth it is important to remove the female as soon as possible because whe may eat the fry. The fry will be free-swimming and will need to be fed live food, such as infusoria or baby brine shrimp.
Caring for the fry:
The fry will grow quickly and should be able to eat adult food within a few weeks. It is important to keep the water clean and to feed the fry regularly.
Here are some additional tips for breeding neon blue guppies:
- Choose a healthy male and female guppy. The male should be colorful and active, and the female should be plump and have a gravid spot.
- Feed the male and female guppies a high-quality diet. This will help to ensure that the eggs are healthy and that the fry are well-nourished.
- Keep the breeding tank clean and well-maintained. This will help to prevent the spread of disease.
- Be patient. It may take some time for the male and female guppy to spawn.
Once you have successfully bred neon blue guppies, you can enjoy watching them grow and develop. Neon blue guppies are beautiful and active fish that make great additions to any aquarium.
Where to Buy Neon Blue Guppies
ou can buy neon guppies from a variety of places, including:
- Local fish stores: Many local fish stores sell neon guppies like petco. This is a good option if you want to see the fish in person before you buy them and get advice from the staff on how to care for them.
- Online retailers: There are many online retailers that sell neon guppies. This is a good option if you have a hard time finding neon guppies at your local fish store or if you want to get a specific strain of neon guppy.
- Breeders: You can also buy neon guppies directly from breeders. This is a good option if you want to get high-quality fish or if you want to support a small business.
When buying neon guppies, it is important to make sure that you are buying them from a reputable source. Avoid buying fish from pet stores that keep their fish in poor conditions. It is also important to inspect the fish carefully before you buy them to make sure that they are healthy.
Here are some tips for buying healthy neon guppies:
- Look for fish that are active and swimming normally.
- Avoid fish that are lethargic or have any visible signs of illness, such as white spots, cloudy eyes, or frayed fins.
- Ask the seller how long they have had the fish and what they have been feeding them.
- If possible, buy the fish from a store that has a good reputation for selling healthy fish.
Once you have purchased your neon guppies, it is important to quarantine them for two weeks before adding them to your main aquarium. This will help to prevent the spread of any diseases.
Average Price for a Blue Dragon
The average price for a neon blue guppy varies depending on the strain, size, and quality of the fish. In general, neon blue guppies can be purchased for between $1 and $5 per fish. However, some rare or high-quality strains of neon blue guppies can sell for upwards of $20 per fish.
Here are some factors that can affect the price of a neon blue guppy:
- Strain: Some strains of neon blue guppies are more popular and in higher demand than others. For example, the electric blue guppy is a very popular strain, and it may cost more than other strains of neon blue guppies.
- Size: Larger neon blue guppies are generally more expensive than smaller neon blue guppies.
- Quality: Neon blue guppies that have been bred for good coloration and patterns are generally more expensive than neon blue guppies that have not been bred for these qualities.
If you are looking for a good deal on neon blue guppies, it is important to shop around and compare prices from different retailers. You may also want to consider buying neon blue guppies from a breeder. Breeders often have a wider variety of neon blue guppies to choose from, and they may be able to offer you a better price than a retailer.
No matter how much you spend on your neon blue guppies, you are sure to enjoy their beautiful coloration and active personality.
In conclusion, Neon Blue Guppies are not only stunning but also relatively easy to care for. By providing them with the right environment, proper nutrition
