Blue Lyretail Guppy

Appearance

• Body: Sleek and slightly elongated with iridescent blue shades (can range from sky blue to deep metallic blue).

• Tail (Caudal Fin): Distinct lyretail shape—elongated, forked, and often edged in contrasting colors (black, white, or yellow).

• Size:

  • Males: 1.5–2 inches (3.8–5 cm) – more colorful with larger fins.

  • Females: 2–2.5 inches (5–6 cm) – plainer with shorter fins.

• Gender Differences:

  • Males: Brighter colors, larger fins, and a gonopodium (modified anal fin for mating).

  • Females: Duller in color, rounder belly, and a triangular anal fin.

Care Requirements

1. Tank Setup

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (20+ gallons ideal for a group).

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)

  • pH: 6.8–7.8 (slightly alkaline preferred)

  • GH (Hardness): 8–12 dGH (moderately hard water)

  • KH (Carbonate Hardness): 4–8 dKH

  • Ammonia/Nitrites: 0 ppm

  • Nitrates: <20 ppm

• Filtration: Gentle flow (sponge filter or HOB with low current).

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel.

• Plants & Decor:

  • Live plants (Java moss, Hornwort, Anubias) for hiding spots.

  • Floating plants (Frogbit, Duckweed) to diffuse light.

2. Diet

• Staple Food: High-quality guppy flakes, micro pellets, or color-enhancing foods.

• Supplemental Foods:

  • Live/Frozen: Brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms (for protein).

  • Vegetables: Blanched spinach, peas (for fiber).

• Feeding Frequency: 2–3 small meals per day (avoid overfeeding).

3. Tank Mates

• Peaceful Community Fish:

  • Other guppies, Endlers, mollies, platies.

  • Small tetras (neon, ember), Corydoras catfish.

  • Shrimp (Neocaridina) & snails (Nerite, Mystery).

• Avoid:

  • Aggressive or fin-nipping fish (tiger barbs, bettas, large cichlids).

4. Breeding

• Livebearers: Females give birth to 20–50 live fry every 4–6 weeks.

• Breeding Tips:

  • Use a breeding box or dense plants (like Java moss) to protect fry.

  • Feed fry crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, or powdered fry food.

  • Separate males & females if controlling population.

5. Common Health Issues

• Fin Rot: Caused by poor water quality—maintain clean water.

• Ich (White Spot Disease): Treat with heat (86°F for 3–5 days) + aquarium salt.

• Swim Bladder Disorder: Often from overfeeding—fast for 1–2 days.

Why Choose Blue Lyretail Guppies?

✔ Stunning blue colors with elegant lyre-shaped tails.
✔ Easy to care for, great for beginners.
✔ Active & peaceful, perfect for community tanks.
✔ Produce lots of fry (fun for breeding projects).