A yellow lace guppy is a selectively bred variety of the common guppy (Poecilia reticulata). It is known for its vibrant yellow coloration with intricate black lace-like patterns on its tail and dorsal fin. The males are typically more colorful than the females, with long, flowing fins.
What is a Metal Yellow Lace Guppy?
Metal Yellow lace guppies are a tank-bred variety of the guppy fish, which is indigenous to northern South America. They are the result of selective breeding by aquarists over many years. The exact origin of the yellow lace guppy is unknown, but it is believed to have been developed in Southeast Asia in the early 2000s.
Yellow lace guppies are now one of the most popular varieties of guppy fish, and are kept by aquarists all over the world. They are known for their beautiful coloration, easy-going temperament, and relatively easy care requirements.
Despite their tank-bred origin, Metal yellow lace guppies are still considered to be tropical fish. They require warm water temperatures, clean water, and a well-maintained aquarium. They are also omnivores, so they need to be fed a variety of foods, including live foods, frozen foods, and flake food.
Appearance
Male Yellow Lace Guppies appearance
Yellow lace guppy males are known for their impressive and flamboyant appearance. Here are some key characteristics:
- Coloration: The dominant color is bright yellow, covering the body and tail. Their scales often have a metallic sheen, which adds to their allure.
- Tail Pattern: The defining feature of the yellow lace guppy is the intricate lace-like pattern on their tail. This pattern resembles fine lacework, hence the name. It’s typically a deeper yellow or orange hue and creates a striking contrast with the rest of the body.
- Size: Males are generally smaller, measuring around 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm) in length.
- Fins: They possess elongated dorsal fins, which they use to attract females during courtship displays.
Female Yellow Lace Guppies appearance
The females of this species have a more understated appearance, designed to help them blend into their environment and protect them from predators:
- Coloration: Female yellow lace guppies are less vibrant than males. They typically have a mottled or speckled appearance in shades of gray, brown, or olive.
- Size: They are slightly larger than males, typically reaching 2 to 2.5 inches (5 to 6.4 cm) in length.
- Fins: Their fins are shorter and less colorful, emphasizing their need for camouflage.
Origin
Yellow lace guppies are a product of selective breeding efforts over generations. They were initially bred from wild guppy populations found in South America, particularly in countries like Venezuela, Guyana, and Trinidad. The selective breeding aimed at enhancing their coloration and tail patterns, resulting in the unique variety we see today.
Tank Setup
Tank Size
For a small group of yellow lace guppies, a 10-gallon (38 liters) aquarium is adequate.
Water Parameters
Yellow lace guppies thrive in tropical freshwater conditions:
- Temperature: Maintain a temperature range between 72-82°F (22-28°C).
- pH Level: Keep the pH level between 6.8 and 7.8.
- Water Hardness: A general hardness (GH) of 8-12 dGH and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 3-10 dKH are suitable.
Filtration and Substrate
Use a gentle filtration system, as guppies prefer slow-moving water. A sponge filter or a hang-on-back filter set to a low flow rate is ideal. A sandy substrate with live plants is excellent for simulating their natural habitat.
Lighting
Moderate to low lighting is sufficient for yellow lace guppies. Ensure they have shaded areas to escape from bright light, as they are sensitive to excessive exposure.
Breeding
How To Breed Yellow Lace Guppies
To breed yellow lace guppies, you will need to set up a separate breeding tank. This tank should be at least 10 gallons in size and should be well-planted with live plants. The water temperature should be between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and the pH should be between 6.8 and 7.8.
Once you have set up the breeding tank, you will need to select a breeding pair of yellow lace guppies. The male should be brightly colored and have long, flowing fins. The female should be larger than the male and have a shorter, wider anal fin.
To encourage the breeding pair to spawn, you can feed them a high-quality diet of live foods, frozen foods, and flake food. You can also try to raise the water temperature by a few degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the breeding pair has spawned, the female will carry the fertilized eggs in her body for about 21-30 days. When the eggs are ready to hatch, the female will give birth to live fry.
The fry are very small and vulnerable, so it is important to feed them a high-quality diet of infusoria and baby brine shrimp. You should also remove any uneaten food from the tank to prevent the water from becoming polluted.
The fry will grow quickly and will be ready to be moved to a larger tank after about 6-8 weeks
Feeding
Diet for Yellow Lace Guppies
Providing a balanced diet is crucial for the health and vibrancy of your yellow lace guppies. Here are some feeding guidelines:
- Flake Food: High-quality flake food forms the staple diet for guppies. Look for flakes with a good balance of proteins, fats, and vitamins.
- Live and Frozen Foods: To add variety and enhance their colors, offer live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. These can be given as occasional treats.
- Vegetables: Guppies also benefit from occasional vegetable-based foods like blanched spinach or zucchini slices.
- Feed in Moderation: Avoid overfeeding, as it can lead to water quality issues. Feed your guppies small portions several times a day, enough for them to consume in 2-3 minutes.
Common Diseases
Guppies, including the yellow lace variety, are susceptible to several common diseases. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Ich (White Spot Disease): This is a parasitic infection that causes white cysts on the fish’s skin, gills, and fins. Quarantine affected fish and treat with an ich medication.
- Fin Rot: Bacterial infections can lead to fin rot, where the fins become frayed and discolored. Maintain good water quality and administer antibiotics as needed.
- Dropsy: Dropsy is a symptom of organ failure and is characterized by a swollen abdomen and raised scales. Isolate affected fish and consult a veterinarian for treatment.
- Velvet Disease: Caused by parasites, velvet disease appears as a golden or rust-colored dust on the fish’s skin. Use a suitable anti-parasitic treatment.
Tank Mates
Yellow lace guppies are peaceful fish and can be kept in a community aquarium with other small, peaceful fish. Some good tank mates for yellow lace guppies include:
- Harlequin rasboras
- Zebra danios
- White cloud mountain minnows
- Corydoras catfish
- Otocinclus catfish
- Cherry shrimp
- Amano shrimp
- Ghost shrimp
Yellow lace guppies are peaceful fish and can be kept in a community aquarium with other small, peaceful fish. Some good tank mates for yellow lace guppies include:
- Neon tetras
- Cardinal tetras
- Rummy-nose tetras
- Harlequin rasboras
- Zebra danios
- White cloud mountain minnows
- Corydoras catfish
- Otocinclus catfish
- Cherry shrimp
- Amano shrimp
- Ghost shrimp
It is important to avoid keeping yellow lace guppies with larger, more aggressive fish, as these fish may prey on the guppies. It is also important to avoid keeping yellow lace guppies with fin-nipping fish, as these fish may nip at the guppies’ long fins.
Where to Buy Yellow Lace Guppy?
Yellow lace guppies are generally easy to find in most local fish stores.
- Pet stores: Many large pet stores, such as Petco and PetSmart, sell yellow lace guppies.
- Online retailers: There are also many online retailers that sell yellow lace guppies. Some popular online retailers include Aquatic Arts, Fish Portals, and Jadren Aquatics.
- Local fish breeders: If you are looking for high-quality yellow lace guppies, you may want to consider buying them from a local fish breeder. Fish breeders often have a wider selection of guppies and can provide you with more information about their care and breeding.
When buying yellow lace guppies, it is important to choose a reputable seller. Be sure to inspect the guppies carefully to make sure that they are healthy and active. You should also ask the seller about the guppies’ water parameters and care requirements.
How Much Do Yellow Lace Guppies Cost?
The cost of yellow lace guppies can vary depending on the seller, the quality of the fish, and the region in which you live. However, in general, yellow lace guppies are relatively affordable fish.
The average cost of a yellow lace guppy is between $3 and $10. However, you may be able to find them for cheaper or more expensive depending on the factors mentioned above.
In conclusion, the captivating yellow lace guppy is a fantastic addition to any aquarium, with its striking appearance, ease of care, and suitability for beginners. By providing the right tank setup, nutrition, and disease prevention, you can enjoy these
beautiful fish and even try your hand at breeding. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced aquarist, the yellow lace guppy offers endless fascination and beauty in your aquatic world.
