Metallic Yellow Guppy Male

Introduction

The Metallic Yellow Guppy is a striking and vibrant guppy variety known for its shimmering yellow-gold coloration. Its metallic sheen enhances its appearance under aquarium lighting, making it a favorite among hobbyists. These guppies are active, peaceful, and easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

Scientific Name

Poecilia reticulata

Common Name

Metallic Yellow Guppy

Water Quality and Temperature

• Temperature: 72°F-82°F (22°C-28°C)
• pH Level: 7.0-8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
• Water Hardness: 8-12 dGH (moderately hard to hard)
• Filtration: A gentle filtration system is recommended.
• Water Changes: Regular water changes (20-30% weekly) help maintain optimal water quality.

Feeding

Metallic Yellow Guppies are omnivores and require a balanced diet:

• Staple Diet: High-quality flake food or pellet food designed for guppies.
• Protein Sources: Live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia.
• Vegetables: Occasional treats like blanched spinach or algae-based food to round out their diet.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed 2-3 times a day in small portions to prevent overfeeding.

Tank Mates

These guppies are peaceful and do well in community tanks:

• Ideal Tank Mates:
  • Other peaceful livebearers like mollies, platies, and swordtails.
  • Tetras, rasboras, small catfish (e.g., Corydoras ), and shrimp.
  • Snails can also be kept with metallic yellow Guppies.
• Avoid:
  • Aggressive or fin-nipping species, such as certain cichlids or barbs, which may stress or harm the guppies.

Substrates and Tank Decorations

• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand is recommended.
• Decorations: Provide plants, driftwood, and caves for hiding spots.
• Water Flow: Moderate flow to mimic their natural environment.

Suitable Plants

• Java Moss
• Anubias
• Java Fern
• Amazon Swords
• Water Sprite

Sexing

• Males: Smaller with brighter colors and a long, flowing tail. They have a gonopodium, a modified anal fin used for reproduction.
• Females: Larger with a rounder belly and less vibrant colors.

Breeding

Metallic Yellow Guppies are livebearers and reproduce easily:

• Breeding Setup: A separate breeding tank or breeding box can help protect the fry.
• Gestation Period: 21-30 days.
• Fry Care: Newly born fry should be fed finely crushed flakes or specialized fry food.

Maximum Size and Longevity

• Size: 1.5-2 inches (3.8-5 cm).
• Lifespan: 2-3 years with proper care.

General Information

Metallic Yellow Guppies are a selectively bred variation prized for their golden shine. Their active and peaceful nature makes them a great addition to any aquarium. They are hardy and adaptable, thriving in a well-maintained tank.

A Fun Fact

Guppies, including the Metallic Yellow variety, are often called “million fish” because of their ability to reproduce rapidly. They are one of the most commonly kept freshwater fish in home aquariums worldwide!