A “White Moscow Guppy” is a specific color and strain of the popular tropical fish known as the guppy (Poecilia reticulata). Guppies are a small, livebearing fish that is commonly kept in aquariums due to their vibrant colors, ease of care, and lively behavior. The White Moscow Guppy is characterized by its predominantly white or silvery body coloration with little to no other markings or colors. The fins of the White Moscow Guppy are usually transparent or have a white or pale color.
Breeding and maintaining pure strains of White Moscow Guppies can be a hobby for aquarium enthusiasts. Selective breeding is used to enhance the purity of the strain and maintain the desired white coloration. The name “Moscow” may be used because of its association with a clean, solid white color, resembling snow in the Russian capital.
Keep in mind that guppies are prolific breeders, and it’s essential to manage their population if you don’t want them to overpopulate your aquarium. You may need to separate males from females or remove fry (young guppies) to prevent overcrowding.
Key Care Characteristics
- Appearance: White Moscow Guppy is predominantly white or silver, which gives it its name. The intensity of the white coloration can vary, with some individuals being pure white and others having a slightly silvery sheen.
- Size: Adult White Moscow 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: Yellow 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 White 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: White 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.
White Moscow Guppy Guide
Caring for White Moscow Guppies, like any other guppy strain, involves attention to their tank setup, feeding, and disease prevention. Here’s a care guide for White Moscow Guppies:
Tank Setup:
- Tank Size: A 10-gallon aquarium or larger is suitable for a small group of White Moscow Guppies. A larger tank provides more stable water conditions and space for the fish to swim.
- Filtration: Install a good-quality filter to maintain water quality and provide circulation. Guppies are sensitive to water parameters, so regular filtration and water changes are essential.
- Heater: Guppies are tropical fish and require a water temperature of around 75-82°F (24-28°C). Use a submersible heater to maintain the correct temperature.
- Substrate: You can use gravel or fine sand as substrate. Provide some live or artificial plants to offer hiding places and create a natural environment.
- Water Parameters: Maintain stable water conditions with a pH level around 7.0 and water hardness (dGH) between 8-12.
Feeding:
- Quality Flake or Pellet Food: Guppies are omnivorous and will accept high-quality flake or pellet food as their staple diet. Look for foods specifically designed for tropical fish.
- Variety: Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, or bloodworms. This provides essential nutrients and adds variety to their diet.
- Feed in Moderation: Don’t overfeed guppies. Offer small amounts of food multiple times a day, but only what they can consume in a few minutes. Excess food can pollute the water.
Disease Prevention:
- Quarantine New Fish: When introducing new guppies to your tank, quarantine them in a separate tank for a few weeks to ensure they’re healthy and free of diseases.
- Clean Water: Regular water changes (about 20-25% every 1-2 weeks) are crucial to maintain water quality. Good water conditions help prevent diseases.
- Observation: Keep an eye on your fish for any signs of illness, such as changes in behavior, lethargy, loss of appetite, or visible physical symptoms.
- Isolation: If you notice a sick fish, isolate it in a hospital tank to prevent the spread of disease to the others.
- Common Diseases: Guppies can be susceptible to common fish diseases like ich (white spot disease), fin rot, and fungal infections. Research the symptoms, treatment options, and prevention strategies for these diseases.
- Temperature: Maintaining the correct temperature range (75-82°F or 24-28°C) is essential for preventing diseases, as it helps the fish’s immune system function properly.
Remember that proper care and maintenance of your aquarium, regular observation of your fish, and a good diet are essential for keeping White Moscow Guppies healthy and thriving. Additionally, always research and be prepared to address any specific health issues that may arise.
Breeding White Moscow Guppies
Breeding White Moscow Guppies, like breeding other guppy strains, can be a rewarding and relatively straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to breeding White Moscow Guppies:
1. Set Up Breeding Tank:
- Prepare a separate breeding tank or use a partition in the main tank to isolate the breeding pair. A small tank or a sectioned-off area can work, as long as it provides the necessary conditions for the fry’s survival.
2. Select Breeding Pair:
- Choose a healthy male and female with the desired White Moscow Guppy characteristics. Ensure that they are free from any diseases or visible health issues.
3. Create Ideal Water Conditions:
- Maintain stable water parameters: a temperature of around 75-82°F (24-28°C), pH around 7.0, and water hardness (dGH) between 8-12.
4. Provide Hiding Places:
- Include dense live or artificial plants, such as Java moss or floating plants, to provide hiding places for fry once they are born. This reduces the chances of adult guppies eating their own offspring.
5. Condition the Breeders:
- Feed the selected breeding pair high-quality foods rich in protein, such as live or frozen foods (e.g., daphnia, brine shrimp, or bloodworms), to prepare them for breeding. This helps ensure healthier fry.
6. Introduce the Pair:
- Place the male and female in the breeding tank or the partitioned section. Guppies are livebearers, meaning the female will give birth to live fry.
7. Observe Courtship and Mating:
- Guppy courtship involves the male displaying his colorful fins and body to the female. The male will then swim alongside the female, fertilizing her eggs with his sperm. This process may take some time.
8. Monitor Pregnancy:
- Female guppies have a gravid spot near their anal fin, which becomes more prominent as they become pregnant. Gestation typically lasts for about 28-30 days.
9. Provide Isolation for the Pregnant Female:
- As the female’s due date approaches, consider placing her in a separate breeding box or a nursery tank to protect her and the soon-to-be-born fry from other adult guppies that may eat them.
10. Care for Newborn Fry:
- Once the fry are born, they will need to be fed appropriately. Crushed flake food or specialized fry food can be given, along with infusoria or small live food. Be sure to provide a well-vegetated environment with hiding places.
11. Maintain Water Quality:
- Keep the water clean and perform regular water changes to ensure the best conditions for the growing fry.
12. Separate and Grow Fry:
- Once the fry are large enough to avoid being eaten by adult guppies, you can separate them from the adults and continue to grow them in their own tank or section.
Breeding guppies is a continuous process, as they reproduce frequently. With experience, you can refine your breeding techniques and select for specific traits if you’re interested in maintaining or enhancing the White Moscow Guppy strain. Remember that maintaining optimal water quality and providing proper care for the fry are essential for their survival and growth.
Best place to buy white moscow guppies and average price
White Moscow Guppies can be purchased from various sources, including local aquarium stores, online fish stores, breeders, and even fellow hobbyists. Here are some options for where to buy White Moscow Guppies and their average price range:
Local Aquarium Stores:
- Many local fish stores or pet shops carry a variety of guppy strains, including White Moscow Guppies. Prices may vary depending on your location and the quality of the fish. On average, you can expect to pay around $2 to $5 per fish.
- Online Fish Stores:
- Numerous online fish stores and aquarium supply websites offer White Moscow Guppies for sale. The prices can range from $2 to $10 or more per fish, depending on the quality, age, and source. You may also need to consider shipping costs.
Breeders:
- Buying from experienced guppy breeders can be a great way to get high-quality White Moscow Guppies. Prices from breeders can vary widely based on the specific strain and the pedigree of the fish. It’s not uncommon to find breeders selling pairs or trios of White Moscow Guppies for $20 to $50 or more.
Before buying, do your research and ensure you have the appropriate setup to care for your new guppies. Additionally, consider any shipping costs and quarantine procedures if you are purchasing from a distant source.
