Blue Ribbon Guppy: Complete Care, Breeding, and Tank Setup Guide -

The world of guppies is filled with vibrant colors, unique patterns, and fascinating varieties, but few are as eye-catching as the Blue Ribbon Guppy. With its striking blue fins and flowing ribbon-like tails, this guppy variety has gained immense popularity among hobbyists who want to add elegance and beauty to their aquariums.

Whether you are a beginner aquarist or an experienced breeder, the Blue Ribbon Guppy is a fantastic choice thanks to its hardy nature, peaceful temperament, and show-quality appearance. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything about Blue Ribbon Guppies—from their history and appearance to tank setup, diet, breeding, and care tips.

What is a Blue Ribbon Guppy?

The Blue Ribbon Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a selectively bred strain of guppy known for its long, flowing “ribbon” tails and vibrant blue coloration. The ribbon tail is a genetic variation where the fins—especially the caudal (tail), dorsal, and sometimes anal fins—are elongated, giving the guppy a graceful, ribbon-like appearance.

This guppy combines two highly desirable traits:

Blue coloration – ranging from metallic light blue to deep sapphire.
Ribbon tail genetics – producing elegant, extended fins.

Quick Facts:

Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
Common Name: Blue Ribbon Guppy
Origin: Selectively bred from South American wild guppies
Size: Males 1.5 inches, Females 2–2.5 inches
Lifespan: 2–3 years
Temperament: Peaceful
Care Level: Moderate
Breeding: Livebearer, but ribbon strains need special attention

Appearance and Characteristics

The Blue Ribbon Guppy stands out among guppy strains because of its unique combination of color and fin structure.

1. Ribbon Tail

The ribbon gene causes the fins to grow much longer than standard guppies.
Males often have extremely elongated dorsal and anal fins, resembling ribbons flowing as they swim.
While beautiful, this trait can make them less agile, requiring special care.

2. Blue Coloration

Ranges from metallic sky-blue to deep sapphire.
Some strains display platinum-blue bodies with darker blue fins.
Others show gradient shades with hints of turquoise or navy.

3. Sexual Dimorphism

Males: Slimmer, more colorful, long flowing fins.
Females: Larger, rounder, with shorter fins and paler coloration.

4. Show Quality

Many Blue Ribbon Guppies are bred for competition and guppy shows.
Judges look for perfect fin symmetry, strong color saturation, and health.

Why Choose Blue Ribbon Guppies?

Aquarists often choose Blue Ribbon Guppies for several reasons:

Elegant Beauty – Their flowing fins add grace to aquariums.
Unique Coloration – Blue tones are less common in guppies, making them special.
Show Potential – Bred for exhibitions and competitions.
Peaceful Fish – Perfect for community aquariums.
Genetic Interest – Ribbon guppies are fascinating for breeders.
Active Swimmers – Despite long fins, they are lively and engaging.

Tank Setup for Blue Ribbon Guppy

Providing the right environment is crucial for these delicate, long-finned guppies.

1. Tank Size

Minimum: 10 gallons for a small group.
Recommended: 20 gallons or larger for colonies and breeding setups.

2. Water Parameters

Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
pH: 6.8–7.8
Hardness: 8–12 dGH
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Below 20 ppm

3. Filtration and Flow

Use sponge filters or gentle filters.
Avoid strong currents that may exhaust long-finned guppies.

4. Substrate and Plants

Substrate: Sand or fine gravel.
Plants: Java Moss, Anubias, Hornwort, Water Wisteria.
Floating Plants: Provide cover for fry and reduce stress.

5. Lighting

Moderate to bright lighting enhances their blue sheen.
Use full-spectrum aquarium lights for best results.

6. Tank Mates

Compatible species include:

Small tetras (Neon, Ember, Rummy Nose)
Corydoras Catfish
Mollies, Platies, Swordtails
Shrimp and Snails

Avoid fin-nippers like tiger barbs or aggressive fish that may damage delicate ribbon fins.

Diet and Nutrition

A proper diet is key to maintaining vibrant blue coloration and strong health in Blue Ribbon Guppies.

Best Foods:

High-Quality Flakes/Pellets – Specifically for guppies or tropical fish.
Live Foods – Baby brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, daphnia.
Frozen Foods – Bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex worms.
Vegetables – Blanched zucchini, cucumber, spinach.
Supplements – Spirulina and carotenoid-rich foods for enhanced coloration.

Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions. Overfeeding leads to poor water quality and health issues.

Breeding Blue Ribbon Guppies

Breeding ribbon guppies is more challenging than regular guppies because of genetics.

1. Genetic Considerations

The ribbon gene can cause fertility issues in males.
Many breeders pair ribbon females with normal males to ensure successful reproduction.
Offspring may include a mix of normal and ribbon-tailed guppies.

2. Breeding Tank Setup

Use a separate 10–20 gallon tank.
Provide dense plants for fry survival.
Gentle filtration with sponge filters.

3. Gestation and Fry Care

Females carry fry for 25–30 days.
Each batch produces 20–50 fry.
Remove fry after birth or use breeding traps to prevent predation.

4. Feeding Fry

Infusoria for the first few days.
Baby brine shrimp, micro worms, or powdered fry food as they grow.

5. Selective Breeding

To enhance color and fin quality, only breed the healthiest and most vibrant individuals.
Prevent inbreeding to maintain strong genetics.

Common Problems and Diseases

Like other guppies, Blue Ribbon Guppies are prone to certain issues:

1. Fin Rot

Common due to long fins.
Prevent with clean water and treat with antibacterial medication.

2. Ich (White Spot Disease)

Symptoms: White spots on body and fins.
Treat with temperature increase and ich medication.

3. Swim Bladder Issues

Caused by overfeeding or infections.
Fast for 24 hours, then feed blanched peas.

4. Fungal Infections

Appear as cotton-like patches.
Treat with antifungal medication.

5. Stress

Causes: Aggressive tank mates, poor water quality, overcrowding.
Solution: Stable environment and peaceful community.

Tips for Enhancing Blue Ribbon Guppy Colors

Use full-spectrum aquarium lighting.
Provide a high-protein, varied diet.
Maintain excellent water quality with regular water changes.
Use dark substrates to make blue colors pop.
Avoid stress by keeping them with compatible tank mates.

Advantages of Keeping Blue Ribbon Guppies

Stunning and elegant with ribbon fins.
Peaceful nature, great for community aquariums.
Active and engaging swimmers.
Fascinating for breeders due to ribbon genetics.
Show-quality fish admired worldwide.

Final Thoughts

The Blue Ribbon Guppy is a breathtaking variety that combines elegance, beauty, and uniqueness. While they require slightly more care than standard guppies due to their long fins and breeding complexities, they reward aquarists with unmatched grace and dazzling coloration.

Perfect for both hobbyists and breeders, the Blue Ribbon Guppy can be the star of any freshwater aquarium. With proper tank setup, diet, and care, they will thrive and bring joy to your aquatic world.

FAQs About Blue Ribbon Guppy

1. What makes Blue Ribbon Guppies special?
Their long ribbon-like fins and striking blue coloration make them unique.

2. How big do Blue Ribbon Guppies get?
Males grow up to 1.5 inches, while females reach 2–2.5 inches.

3. Are they beginner-friendly?
Yes, but they require more attention to fin care and breeding.

4. Can they live in community tanks?
Yes, but avoid fin-nipping fish.

5. How long do Blue Ribbon Guppies live?
They typically live 2–3 years with proper care.

6. Do ribbon guppies breed easily?
They breed prolifically, but ribbon males may have reduced fertility.

7. How many should I keep together?
At least 6 to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.

8. Do they need live plants?
Not necessary, but live plants improve tank health and fry survival.

9. How can I enhance their blue color?
Feed a high-quality diet, maintain clean water, and use full-spectrum lighting.

10. Are Blue Ribbon Guppies show-quality fish?
Yes, many are bred for guppy competitions and exhibitions.