Guppy female Lemon - Poecilia reticulata

"Lemon" Guppy females are a great color form of Poecilia reticulata, whose origin is also in South America. The wonderful colors of Guppies, their easy keeping and very easy reproduction makes them  one of the most popular aquarium fish, which almost every aquarist has already kept. Especially their easy propagation earned them the name "million fish" among others. This makes them interesting study animals especially for friends of heredity. To prevent a population explosion in the aquarium, however, we offer pure groups of girls, the corresponding males are also available in the store. The keeping in the same-sex group does not lose anything in fascination of the animals, on the contrary. Their great color and easy socialization still makes them an evergreen of aquaristics.

The light ground color of the "Lemon" Guppy females shows a distinctive lemon yellow tail fin, hence their name. Usually with Guppies the males are more splendidly colored and remain somewhat behind the ladies in body size and fullness. These can become up to 10 cm large and round as a ball. Except for the squeaky yellow caudal fin, the rest of the fins are transparent. In contrast to the males, the females carry a more sail-shaped anal fin.

Since these viviparous toothcarps can mate and hybridize with other guppies, including the Endler Guppy, which in turn produce fertile hybrids, it is not recommended to socialize these two species. Fish that have similar demands on their water parameters can be super socialized with them. In an aquarium where both sexes are present, a natural predator is advantageous to stop overpopulation. However, in some places the parents already take over this part. For targeted breeding it is therefore worthwhile to use a Breeding boxin which the young animals can be raised. Guppy females can, once fertilized, store the semen and fertilize themselves several times with it, so it happens that even in a purely female group from time to time still young animals come up. The eggs develop in the mother's womb and hatch there as well. Released are ready fry that can already feed on their own. In one litter, a female can release up to 20 or more young.

Lemon Guppy females can be mixed excellently with well reproducing Dwarf shrimp species but also with Amano shrimp crayfish. Since dwarf crayfish can pinch the sensitive fins of fish sleeping on the bottom, it is better not to keep them together. Crayfish could also catch and even eat the guppy under certain circumstances.

Guppies are omnivores and feed and reside primarily in the mid to upper water zone, eating approaching insects that land on the water, among other things, in their natural habitat. However, they also pick off coverings such as  algae and eat decomposing plants. In the aquarium they can be fed without problems with commercial dry food such as granulated food or flake food, but now and then also with soft, scalded vegetables and greens or vegetable chips. They are also happy if their diet is occasionally supplemented with live and frozen foods such as Artemia, Daphnia or Mosquito larvae is spiced up.

Guppies are extremely adaptable and will forgive a faux pas or two. They can therefore be kept in almost any water, from soft to brackish. They can be kept at room temperature without any problems, a temperature between 22-28°C is optimal, a heater is only necessary if the water should get too cool.

Our food recommendation: The fragrant NatureHolic Guppyfeed has been tailored to the needs of guppies and other viviparous fish in the aquarium. In addition to high-quality animal ingredients, it also contains vegetable components that benefit guppies & co. The soft granules protect the sensitive mouth of the viviparous from injuries caused by hard food grains and provide the fish with a natural feeding experience.

Our plant recommendation: For planting, use NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend when keeping fish the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.