A purple delta guppy is a variety of guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata), which is a popular freshwater aquarium fish known for its vibrant colors and peaceful temperament. The term “delta” in guppy varieties typically refers to the shape of the tail fin, which is triangular in the case of delta guppies. Delta guppies have a distinct tail fin shape that sets them apart from other guppy varieties.
In this Purple Delta Guppy Guide we will cover how to breed, tank setup and best places to buy purple delta guppies.
Key Care Characteristics
- Appearance: Purple delta guppies have a predominant purple coloration on their bodies and fins. The exact shade of purple can vary from light lavender to deep violet, and some individuals may have slight variations in their purple hue.
- Size: Adult purple delta guppies are generally small in size. They typically reach an average length of about 1.5 to 2.5 inches (3.8 to 6.4 centimeters), with males usually being slightly smaller than females.
- Care Requirements: purple delta guppies are hardy and easy to care for, making them suitable for beginners in the aquarium hobby..
- 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: Selective Tank Bred – The exact origin of the purple delta guppy is not well-documented, but it’s a selectively bred color variant of the common Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) thought to originate from Asia. Guppies are native to various regions in South America, particularly in countries like Venezuela, Trinidad, and parts of Brazil.
- Lifespan: Purple Delta Guppies have a relatively short lifespan compared to some other aquarium fish, typically living for around 2 to 3 years. Proper care, nutrition, and a stress-free environment can contribute to a longer lifespan.
- Social Behavior: Community fish that is suitable for a community freshwater fish tank. Typically swims in the top half of the aquarium.
Purple Delta Guppy Guide
Caring for purple delta guppies, like caring for other guppy varieties, involves providing them with appropriate tank conditions, a balanced diet, and vigilant disease prevention. Here’s a care guide for purple delta guppies:
Guppy Tank Setup:
- Tank Size: A 10-gallon tank or larger is suitable for a small group of guppies. If you prefer to keep a larger group of guppies (5+) or have a community tank its best to start with a 20 gallon aquarium or larger. Ensure adequate space for swimming and room for decorations.
- Filtration: Use a good quality aquarium filter to maintain water quality. Guppies are sensitive to ammonia and nitrite levels, so ensure proper filtration and regular water changes.
- Heating: Guppies are tropical fish, so maintain the water temperature between 75-82°F (24-28°C).
- Substrate: Gravel or sand substrate is suitable. Guppies may pick at small gravel, so make sure it’s not too small to avoid ingestion.
- Decorations: Add plants, rocks, and hiding places. Live or artificial plants provide cover and encourage natural behaviors.
- Lighting: Provide gentle lighting to mimic their natural habitat. Avoid excessive brightness.
Feeding:
- High-Quality Flake or Pellet Food: Offer a high-quality flake or pellet food as the staple diet. Look for options formulated for tropical fish.
- Variety: Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, or microworms. This variety adds essential nutrients and keeps them engaged.
- Feed in Moderation: Guppies have small stomachs, so feed small amounts 2-3 times a day. Only provide what they can consume in a few minutes to prevent overfeeding.
Disease Prevention:
- Quarantine New Fish: If introducing new fish to your tank, quarantine them in a separate tank for a few weeks to ensure they are disease-free before adding them to the main tank.
- Water Quality: Maintain good water quality with regular water changes. Avoid overfeeding, as excess food can lead to poor water conditions.
- Stress Reduction: Guppies are susceptible to stress, which can make them more vulnerable to diseases. Minimize stress by providing suitable tank conditions, avoiding overcrowding, and not introducing aggressive tank mates.
- Common Diseases: Be aware of common guppy diseases like Ich (white spot disease), fin rot, and velvet. If you notice any signs of illness, isolate the affected fish and consult with a veterinarian or experienced aquarium hobbyist for treatment options.
- Medication: If necessary, treat diseases with appropriate medications. Follow the instructions carefully and remove any activated carbon from the filter during treatment, as it can remove medications from the water.
Remember to monitor your guppies regularly for signs of illness and be proactive in maintaining their tank conditions to keep them healthy and thriving. Purple delta guppies, like other guppy varieties, can be a beautiful and rewarding addition to your aquarium when properly cared for.
How To Breed purple delta guppies
Breeding purple delta guppies, or guppies in general, is a relatively straightforward process. Guppies are prolific breeders and are considered a livebearer, and if you want to breed them, follow these steps:
1. Setting Up a Breeding Tank:
- Separate Tank: Prepare a separate breeding tank, which can be a smaller tank (10-20 gallons) compared to the main tank.
- Filtration: A sponge filter is ideal for a breeding tank, as it provides gentle water movement and doesn’t harm fry.
- Heater: Maintain a stable water temperature in the breeding tank, around 78-80°F (25-27°C).
- Substrate and Decor: Use a fine-grained substrate, like marbles, or a breeding trap to protect the fry from adult guppies. Add hiding places like plants or breeding mops.
2. Selecting Breeding Stock:
- Choose healthy adult guppies with desirable traits, including the purple delta coloration.
- Make sure you have a mix of males (with their distinctive fin shapes and colors) and females.
3. Conditioning the Guppies:
- Feed the adult guppies high-quality food, including live or frozen foods, to ensure they are in good condition for breeding.
4. Introducing the Guppies:
- Place the male and female guppies in the breeding tank. You can either allow them to breed naturally or use a breeding trap that separates the female after mating to protect the fry.
5. Breeding Behavior:
- Guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live fry. The male will attempt to court the female by displaying his fin colors and zigzagging in front of her.
- Mating takes place when the male inserts his gonopodium (a modified anal fin) into the female’s genital opening.
- Females may have a gestation period of about 4-6 weeks. You’ll know they’re pregnant when their abdomen becomes noticeably enlarged, and you can see dark eyes inside.
6. Caring for Fry:
- After giving birth, separate the adult female from the fry. This prevents them from eating their own offspring.
- Fry are tiny and can be fed powdered or liquid fry food. As they grow, you can introduce newly hatched brine shrimp or finely crushed flake food.
- Maintain good water quality with regular water changes to ensure the health of the fry.
7. Grow-Out Tank:
- As the fry grow, you can move them to a separate grow-out tank. This allows them to grow without the risk of being eaten by adult guppies.
8. Selective Breeding:
- As the fry mature, select the ones with the desired purple delta guppy traits for further breeding.
Best Places to Buy Purple Delta Guppies
The best places to buy purple delta guppies and their average price can vary depending on your location and the availability of these specific guppy varieties. Here are some common options for purchasing guppies and an estimate of the average price as of my last knowledge update in Oct of 2023 Please note that prices may have changed since then, and they can also vary based on the rarity of the strain and the source.
1. Local Aquarium Stores:
- Many local aquarium stores carry a variety of guppies, including purple delta guppies.
- Average Price: Depending on the quality and strain, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2 to $10 per guppy.
2. Online Retailers:
- There are numerous online retailers and hobbyist websites where you can purchase guppies and have them shipped to your location.
- Average Price: Online prices can vary widely. You may find guppies priced between $2 and $20 per fish or more, depending on factors like the strain, quality, and the reputation of the seller.
3. Guppy Breeder Websites:
- Some guppy breeders have their own websites where they sell guppies, often specializing in specific strains or varieties.
- Average Price: Prices can vary widely, but some high-quality or rare strains may cost more, sometimes exceeding $20 per fish.
4. Auction Websites:
- Websites like Aquabid or eBay may have guppies available through auctions or direct sales by hobbyist breeders.
- Average Price: Prices can vary depending on the bidding competition, but you might find guppies ranging from a few dollars to higher amounts for rarer strains.
5. Local Guppy Clubs and Associations:
- Joining local aquarium clubs and associations can be an excellent way to connect with fellow hobbyists and find guppies for sale or trade at club events.
- Average Price: Prices can vary, but you may find reasonable deals through these networks.
Purple Delta guppy fish are new to the world of freshwater fishkeeping. These livebearers, often sought after by tropical fishkeepers, particularly those who specialize in tropical fish. Their vivid coloration and distinctive features, such as the delta tail, make them a popular choice among those looking to add a burst of color to their aquariums. Successfully maintaining purple guppies in a freshwater fish tank requires attention to water quality, appropriate tank conditions, and a varied diet to keep these livebearers healthy and thriving. Whether you’re an experienced aquarist or new to the hobby, the purple guppy fish can be a great addition to your community tank.
