By weeebooo70@gmail.com The Blue Moscow Delta Guppy is one of the most captivating and sought-after guppy strains in the aquarium hobby. Known for its deep, iridescent blue coloration and striking delta-shaped tail, this guppy variety brings elegance and vibrancy to any freshwater aquarium. It is popular among both beginner and experienced aquarists due to its hardiness, stunning appearance, and lively behavior.
Unlike ordinary guppies, the Blue Moscow Delta Guppy stands out with its unique full-body coloration that ranges from metallic cobalt to midnight blue. Its delta tail, which spreads out like a fan, adds a touch of grace and flow to its swimming movements. This makes them an excellent choice for display tanks, community setups, and selective breeding projects.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything about the Blue Moscow Delta Guppy—from its origin and characteristics to care, breeding, diet, and maintenance tips.
Origins and History of the Blue Moscow Delta Guppy
The guppy (Poecilia reticulata) originates from South America, particularly in countries like Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana. Over time, selective breeding has produced hundreds of strains, including the Blue Moscow Delta Guppy.
The Moscow guppies were first developed in Russia in the late 20th century. Breeders worked to enhance the rich blue pigmentation throughout the body, aiming for a solid, uniform color. Over decades of refinement, the Blue Moscow strain became recognized for its brilliant metallic tones. The addition of the delta tail shape was achieved through careful crossbreeding with guppies carrying wide-tailed genetics, resulting in today’s Blue Moscow Delta Guppy.
Physical Appearance
The Blue Moscow Delta Guppy is a true showpiece in aquariums due to its stunning features:
- Body Color: Ranges from deep cobalt to metallic navy blue, sometimes with hints of purple or green iridescence under light.
- Tail Shape: A broad triangular “delta” tail that can expand beautifully when the guppy swims or flares.
- Size: Males typically grow 1.5–2 inches long, while females can reach up to 2.5 inches.
- Fins: Long, flowing fins that accentuate their elegance.
- Sexual Dimorphism: Males are smaller but much more colorful, while females are larger with a duller appearance.
This combination of intense blue coloration and elegant finnage makes the Blue Moscow Delta Guppy a favorite in show competitions and aquascaping displays.
Behavior and Temperament
Like most guppies, Blue Moscow Delta Guppies are peaceful, social, and active swimmers. They thrive in groups and are best kept in schools of at least 6 individuals.
- Peaceful Nature: They rarely nip at other fish and get along well in community tanks.
- Active Swimmers: Their playful behavior adds movement and life to aquariums.
- Male Display: Males often flare their tails and fins to attract females or assert dominance.
- Compatibility: Ideal tank mates include tetras, mollies, platies, corydoras, and other non-aggressive species. Avoid fin-nippers like tiger barbs.
Aquarium Setup for Blue Moscow Delta Guppies
Tank Size
- Minimum: 10 gallons for a small group.
- Ideal: 20 gallons or more for breeding colonies and better swimming space.
Water Parameters
Blue Moscow Delta Guppies are hardy but thrive best under stable conditions:
- Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)
- pH: 6.8–7.8
- Hardness: 8–12 dGH
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
Filtration and Aeration
- Use a gentle filter, such as a sponge filter or hang-on-back filter.
- Ensure good water movement and oxygenation.
Substrate and Decorations
- Dark substrates enhance their blue coloration.
- Live plants like java fern, guppy grass, and anubias provide hiding spots and improve water quality.
- Driftwood and rocks can add natural aesthetics.
Lighting
- Moderate lighting is ideal to highlight their metallic sheen.
- Avoid overly strong lights as it may stress the fish.
Diet and Feeding
The Blue Moscow Delta Guppy is omnivorous and requires a balanced diet for vibrant colors and healthy growth.
Recommended Foods
- High-quality flake food (protein-rich and color-enhancing).
- Pellets designed for guppies or small tropical fish.
- Frozen or live foods: brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, bloodworms.
- Vegetable matter: spirulina flakes, blanched spinach, or zucchini.
Feeding Frequency
- Feed 2–3 small meals per day.
- Only offer what they can consume in 1–2 minutes.
- Avoid overfeeding to prevent bloating and water pollution.
Breeding Blue Moscow Delta Guppies
Breeding is one of the most exciting aspects of keeping guppies. The Blue Moscow Delta Guppy is livebearing, meaning females give birth to live fry rather than laying eggs.
Breeding Setup
- Tank Size: At least 10 gallons.
- Plants: Provide dense plants (guppy grass, hornwort) for fry to hide.
- Ratio: Keep 1 male with 2–3 females to prevent stress.
Mating Behavior
- Males court females by spreading their tails and chasing.
- Fertilization is internal, and females can store sperm for multiple pregnancies.
Gestation Period
- Around 21–30 days depending on temperature and health.
Fry Care
- A female can give birth to 20–50 fry at a time.
- Separate fry from adults to prevent predation.
- Feed fry with powdered flake food, baby brine shrimp, or microworms.
Health and Common Issues
Although hardy, Blue Moscow Delta Guppies may encounter certain health issues:
- Ich (White Spot Disease) – Caused by parasites; treat with aquarium salt and medications.
- Fin Rot – Often from poor water quality; maintain clean water and use antibacterial treatment.
- Swim Bladder Disorder – Linked to overfeeding; prevent with a balanced diet.
- Dropsy – Bacterial infection causing bloating; difficult to treat.
Prevention Tips
- Perform 25–30% water changes weekly.
- Avoid overstocking tanks.
- Quarantine new fish before introducing them.
- Maintain a consistent aquarium maintenance schedule.
Why Choose the Blue Moscow Delta Guppy?
- Stunning Looks – Unique solid blue metallic body and elegant tail.
- Hardy Nature – Adaptable and beginner-friendly.
- Breeding Opportunities – Perfect for hobbyists interested in selective breeding.
- Community Compatibility – Gets along with many peaceful tank mates.
- Affordable & Available – Widely available in pet stores and from breeders.
Tips for Enhancing Color and Lifespan
- Balanced Diet – Offer a mix of live, frozen, and high-quality dry foods.
- Lighting – Moderate aquarium lighting enhances the metallic sheen.
- Water Quality – Keep water parameters stable and clean.
- Genetic Lineage – Source fish from reputable breeders to maintain pure strains.
- Stress Reduction – Avoid aggressive tank mates and overcrowding.
With proper care, Blue Moscow Delta Guppies can live up to 2–3 years in home aquariums.
Conclusion
The Blue Moscow Delta Guppy is more than just a colorful fish—it’s a living jewel that adds beauty, activity, and elegance to aquariums. Its striking metallic blue coloration and delta tail make it one of the most admired guppy strains worldwide. Whether you’re a beginner starting your first guppy tank or an advanced hobbyist aiming to breed show-quality guppies, the Blue Moscow Delta Guppy is a perfect choice.
By providing proper water conditions, a nutritious diet, and a stress-free environment, you’ll enjoy the charm of these guppies for years. Their peaceful nature, easy breeding, and captivating beauty make them a must-have for any freshwater aquarist.
FAQs about Blue Moscow Delta Guppies
Q1. What is the ideal tank size for Blue Moscow Delta Guppies?
A 10-gallon tank is the minimum, but a 20-gallon or larger tank is recommended for breeding and maintaining a colony.
Q2. How many Blue Moscow Delta Guppies should I keep together?
They are social fish and thrive best in groups of at least 6.
Q3. Are Blue Moscow Delta Guppies suitable for beginners?
Yes, they are hardy, adaptable, and easy to care for, making them perfect for beginners.
Q4. What is the average lifespan of Blue Moscow Delta Guppies?
With good care, they live between 2 to 3 years.
Q5. Do Blue Moscow Delta Guppies need special food to maintain their color?
Yes, feeding color-enhancing flakes, spirulina, and live foods like brine shrimp will intensify their metallic blue coloration.
Q6. Can Blue Moscow Delta Guppies live with bettas?
It depends on the betta’s temperament. Some bettas may nip at their flowing tails, so caution is advised.
Q7. How can I tell male and female Blue Moscow Delta Guppies apart?
Males are smaller and more colorful with large delta tails, while females are larger with duller colors and rounded bellies.
Q8. Do Blue Moscow Delta Guppies require a heater?
Yes, maintaining water temperatures between 74–82°F is ideal for their health and breeding.
Q9. How often should I change the water in a guppy tank?
Perform 25–30% partial water changes weekly to maintain water quality.
Q10. Can Blue Moscow Delta Guppies be bred with other guppy strains?
Yes, but crossbreeding may dilute the pure Blue Moscow Delta traits. To preserve the strain, breed only within the same variety.