Purple Moscow Guppy Guide | Breeding, Tank Setup, Best Places To Buy

A Purple Moscow Guppy is a specific color variant of the Guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata). Guppies are popular freshwater aquarium fish known for their vibrant colors and ease of care. The Purple Moscow Guppy is named for its striking purple coloration.

The Purple Moscow Guppy is characterized by a deep, solid purple hue on its body and fins. The coloration is usually intense and uniform, giving the fish a distinctive and eye-catching appearance. This color variant is highly sought after by aquarium enthusiasts and breeders, and is one of the rarest varieties of Guppies.

In this Purple Moscow Guppy Guide we will cover how to breed, how to set up a tank and the best places to buy Purple Moscow guppies

Key Characteristics

• Appearance: Purple Moscow Guppy has a deep and solid purple coloration on both the body and fins. The purple hue can vary in intensity but is generally rich and uniform, creating a striking and eye-catching appearance.
• Size: Purple Moscow Guppies are small fish, with males typically reaching around 1.5 to 2.5 inches (4-6 cm) in length, while females are slightly larger, ranging from 2 to 2.5 inches (5-6 cm).
• Care Requirements: Purple Moscow 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 Moscow Guppy is not well-documented, but it’s a selectively bred color variant of the common Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) thought to originate from Russia. Guppies are native to various regions in South America, particularly in countries like Venezuela, Trinidad, and parts of Brazil.
• Lifespan: Purple Moscow 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 Moscow Guppy Guide

Maintaining a healthy and thriving aquarium for Purple Moscow Guppies, or any Guppy variety, requires careful attention to tank setup, feeding, and disease prevention. Here’s a comprehensive care guide to help you create the ideal environment for your Guppies:

Tank Setup:

1. Tank Size: A suitable tank size for a small group of Guppies is at least 10 gallons (38 liters). A larger tank provides more stability and room for these active fish.
2. Filtration: Install a reliable aquarium filter to maintain water quality. Guppies are sensitive to poor water conditions, so efficient filtration is crucial to remove waste and toxins.
3. Heating: Guppies are tropical fish and thrive in water temperatures between 72-82°F (22-28°C). Use a submersible heater with a thermostat to maintain a stable temperature.
4. Substrate and Decor: Choose a fine-gravel or sand substrate and add live or artificial plants for aesthetics and as hiding spots. Guppies appreciate places to seek shelter.
5. Lighting: Provide adequate lighting to support the growth of live plants. A timer can help simulate a natural day-night cycle for your fish.
6. Water Parameters: Guppies prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH level of around 7.0-7.2. Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels should be regularly monitored and kept within safe limits through water changes.
7. Aquascape: Create a well-structured and balanced aquascape, taking care not to overcrowd the tank, as Guppies need swimming space. Adding a cover or lid is advisable to prevent them from jumping out.

Feeding:

1. High-Quality Diet: Guppies are omnivores and require a balanced diet. Provide them with a high-quality flake or pellet food as their staple diet. Look for products specifically formulated for tropical fish.
2. Variety: Guppies thrive when offered a varied diet. Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. This variety enhances their color and overall health.
3. Feeding Schedule: Feed your Guppies 2-3 times a day, giving them only what they can consume in a few minutes. Overfeeding can lead to water quality issues.

Disease Prevention:

1. Quarantine New Fish: Before introducing new fish to your tank, quarantine them in a separate tank for a few weeks to observe for any signs of illness. This prevents the spread of diseases to your established community.
2. Water Quality: Maintain excellent water quality by performing regular water changes and avoiding overfeeding. Clean water is the first line of defense against many diseases.
3. Stress Reduction: Minimize stress factors such as sudden temperature changes, overcrowding, and aggressive tank mates. Stressed fish are more susceptible to diseases.
4. Medication: If you suspect a sick Guppy, isolate it in a hospital or quarantine tank to prevent the spread of disease. Consult with a veterinarian specializing in fish or a knowledgeable aquarium store employee for appropriate medication.
5. Common Guppy Diseases: Keep an eye out for common Guppy ailments like Ich (white spot disease), fin rot, and fungal infections. Early detection and prompt treatment are key to recovery.
6. Hygiene: Practice good hygiene when working in the aquarium. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling fish or equipment to prevent cross-contamination.
7. Tank Mates: Choose tank mates carefully. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species that can stress or injure your Guppies. Ideal tank mates include peaceful community fish. Electric Blue Moscow, Red Moscow Guppy Black Moscow Guppy Blue Moscow Guppy

Breeding Guide

Breeding Purple Moscow Guppies, or any Guppy variety, can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Guppies are known for their prolific breeding behavior, making them relatively easy to breed. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to breed Guppies:

1. Prepare Breeding Tanks:

• Set up a separate breeding tank. It can be a smaller tank (e.g., 10-20 gallons) with similar water parameters to the main tank.
• Ensure the tank is well-established, with stable water conditions, proper filtration, and a heater to maintain a temperature of around 75-80°F (25-27°C).
• Add live or artificial plants for hiding spots and a spawning mop for the fry to hide in.

2. Select Healthy Breeding Stock:

• Choose healthy and mature Guppies with vibrant colors. Both males and females should be in peak condition.
• Make sure the females are sexually mature, which is typically around 3-4 months of age.

3. Introduce Breeding Pairs:

• Place a compatible male and female Guppy in the breeding tank. The male will actively court the female by displaying vibrant colors and performing a courtship dance.

4. Provide Suitable Conditions:

• Maintain a stable water temperature and quality as mentioned earlier in the tank setup section.
• Dim the tank’s lighting to reduce stress and encourage breeding behavior.

5. Monitor for Mating:

• Guppies are livebearers, meaning the females give birth to live fry instead of laying eggs. After mating, the female will carry the developing fry in her abdomen.
• Monitor the female’s pregnancy; it usually takes about 28-30 days for Guppy fry to develop fully.

6. Isolate Pregnant Females:

• As the female’s pregnancy advances, consider isolating her in a separate enclosure or breeding trap within the breeding tank. This helps protect the fry from being eaten by other fish or even the mother herself.

7. Birth and Fry Care:

• Once the female gives birth, the fry will be released. Guppy fry are usually independent from birth and can feed on finely crushed flake food, powdered commercial fry food, or baby brine shrimp.
• Ensure that the tank has hiding spots, such as plants or a spawning mop, where the fry can seek refuge from adult fish.

8. Feed the Fry:

• Offer small, frequent feedings to the fry. Crushed flakes and specialized fry food are suitable choices. Keep water quality high to prevent disease and stunted growth.

9. Growth and Separation:

• As the fry grow, you can gradually reduce the frequency of feedings. Separate males and females if possible to prevent overpopulation and inbreeding issues.

10. Repeat the Process:

• Guppies are prolific breeders, and the process can be repeated. You can use different pairs for breeding or introduce new genetic variations to diversify your Guppy population.

It’s important to be patient and attentive during the breeding process. Guppies generally breed easily, but successful breeding may take some time and several attempts. By following these steps and maintaining a well-kept breeding environment, you can enjoy the experience of raising your own generations of vibrant Purple Moscow Guppies.

Best Places to Buy and How Much they cost

The best place to buy Purple Moscow Guppies or any specific Guppy variety can vary depending on your location and the quality of guppy you are looking for. Here are a few common options to consider:

1. Local Fish Stores (LFS): Many local fish stores carry a variety of Guppy strains, including Purple Moscow Guppies. Visiting a reputable LFS allows you to see the fish in person and select the ones you prefer. Prices can vary widely depending on the quality and rarity of the strain, but you can typically expect to pay anywhere from $2 to $10 or more per fish, depending on the fish’s quality and your location.
2. Aquarium Clubs and Societies: Joining a local aquarium club or society is an excellent way to connect with fellow hobbyists who may be breeding and selling Guppies. These organizations often have auctions or sales events where you can find unique strains. Prices can be competitive, and you might find rare strains at reasonable prices.
3. Online Retailers: There are numerous online retailers and hobbyist websites like where you can purchase Guppies, including Purple Moscow Guppies. Websites like aquatic arts, Aquabid, eBay, and various specialized Guppy forums offer a wide selection. Prices can vary significantly, with common strains being more affordable and rarer strains commanding higher prices. Expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $50 or more per fish, depending on rarity and quality. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to consider shipping costs and the reliability of the seller.
4. Local Breeders: Finding local Guppy breeders through social media groups, forums, or classified ads can be an excellent way to buy Guppies. Local breeders may offer competitive prices, and you can often visit their facilities to see the fish and their breeding setup in person.

When purchasing Guppies, it’s crucial to consider the health and reputation of the seller. Look for sellers who have a good track record, provide clear information about the fish’s lineage, and have a healthy and well-maintained breeding environment. Healthy fish are more likely to thrive in your aquarium.

Guppy fish come in a wide range of color variations, and breeders have developed numerous strains with different colors and patterns. The Purple Moscow Guppy is just one of many beautiful and unique guppy varieties available in the aquarium hobby. When keeping Guppies in an aquarium, it’s essential to provide them with suitable water conditions, appropriate tank mates, and a well-maintained environment to ensure their health and well-being.