Blue Moscow Guppy: A Guide to Their Care and Maintenance

The Blue Moscow Guppy is a stunning and highly sought-after guppy variety known for its deep blue coloration and elegant finnage. This guide covers essential care tips, tank setup, feeding, breeding, and maintenance to help hobbyists keep their Blue Moscow Guppies healthy and vibrant.

Tank Setup for Blue Moscow Guppies

Creating an optimal environment is crucial for the well-being of Blue Moscow Guppies. Consider the following factors when setting up their tank:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for a small group, but larger tanks provide better stability and swimming space.


• Water Parameters: Maintain a temperature between 72-82°F (22-28°C), pH level of 6.8-7.8, and a water hardness of 8-12 dGH.


• Filtration: A sponge filter or gentle hang-on-back filter ensures clean water without excessive currents.


• Substrate & Decor: Fine gravel or sand substrate works well. Include live plants like Java moss and Anubias for natural cover and improved water quality.


• Lighting: Moderate lighting enhances their blue hues without causing stress.

Diet and Feeding

Proper nutrition enhances the Blue Moscow Guppy’s coloration and overall health. A varied diet should include:

• High-quality flakes or pellets formulated for guppies.


• Frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms to boost color and vitality.


• Vegetable matter like spirulina flakes or blanched spinach for digestion support.


• Feeding Frequency: Offer small amounts 2-3 times daily, ensuring no leftover food remains.

Breeding Blue Moscow Guppies

Breeding Blue Moscow Guppies is relatively easy, making them popular among aquarists. Here are essential tips:

• Male vs. Female Identification: Males are more colorful with larger fins, while females are larger with a rounded belly.


• Breeding Tank Setup: A separate breeding tank (5-10 gallons) with floating plants provides safety for fry.


• Gestation & Birth: The female gives birth every 25-30 days, producing 20-50 fry per batch.


• Fry Care: Feed fry powdered fish food or baby brine shrimp and ensure they are separated from adult fish to prevent predation.

Common Health Issues and Prevention

To maintain a healthy population, watch for common guppy diseases:

• Ich (White Spot Disease): Treat with raised temperatures (82°F) and aquarium salt.


• Fin Rot: Caused by poor water quality; improve filtration and add antibacterial treatment.


• Dropsy: Swollen belly due to internal infection; isolate and treat with antibiotics.

Regular water changes (25-30% weekly) and a balanced diet help prevent most illnesses.

Compatibility with Other Fish

Blue Moscow Guppies are peaceful and thrive in community tanks. Compatible tank mates include:

• Other guppy varieties


• Neon Tetras and Cardinal Tetras


• Corydoras Catfish


• Shrimp and Snails

Avoid aggressive fish like cichlids or fin-nipping species that may stress them.

Conclusion

The Blue Moscow Guppy is a remarkable addition to any aquarium, admired for its striking color and ease of care. By maintaining proper water conditions, providing a nutritious diet, and ensuring a stress-free environment, aquarists can enjoy a thriving Blue Moscow Guppy population. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced breeder, these guppies are a rewarding choice for any freshwater tank.