Blue Lace Guppy: Beauty, Breeding, and Tank Setup Tips -

The Blue Lace Guppy is a stunning freshwater fish known for its delicate, lace-like tail patterns and brilliant blue hues. A popular choice among aquarists of all levels, this guppy variety stands out for its unique aesthetics and relatively easy care requirements. Whether you’re a beginner looking to add some charm to your aquarium or a seasoned hobbyist aiming to diversify your guppy collection, the Blue Lace Guppy offers a mesmerizing addition to any tank.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything about Blue Lace Guppies — their origins, characteristics, tank setup, breeding, feeding habits, and more. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to care for these exquisite guppies and keep them thriving.

Table of Contents

What is a Blue Lace Guppy?

The Blue Lace Guppy is a selectively bred strain of the Poecilia reticulata species. It is distinguished by:

A light to deep blue body tone.
Delicate, lace-patterned caudal (tail) and dorsal fins.
A graceful and flowing appearance in motion.

The “lace” refers to the intricate web-like patterning on the fins, which is particularly visible in males. These patterns resemble fine lace fabric — hence the name.

Origins and Genetic Background

Guppies are native to northeastern South America, but the Blue Lace Guppy is a product of years of selective breeding by aquarists around the world. By carefully selecting for blue coloration and lace-like tail patterns, breeders have created a fish that exhibits beauty, elegance, and personality.

The Blue Lace Guppy is not naturally occurring in the wild. It is the result of crossbreeding between different blue strains, such as Moscow Blue and various Lace guppies.

Appearance and Coloration

Males vs. Females

Males are usually smaller but much more colorful. Their tails and dorsal fins are wide, flowing, and display vivid lace patterns in shades of blue.
Females are larger, with shorter, rounder fins and generally more subdued coloration. However, well-bred females may still show hints of blue lace patterning.

Size

Males grow to about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm).
Females can reach 2.5 inches (6.3 cm).

Fin Types

The Blue Lace Guppy may have different tail shapes:

Fan Tail – Wide, rounded, and symmetrical.
Delta Tail – Triangular and flowing.
Veil Tail – Long and soft with draping motion.

Tank Setup for Blue Lace Guppies

To showcase the beauty of your Blue Lace Guppies and ensure their health, you must provide a well-maintained and properly set-up aquarium.

Tank Size

Minimum tank size: 10 gallons for a small group.
Larger tanks (20+ gallons) are recommended for communities and breeding purposes.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)
pH level: 6.8 to 7.8
Water hardness: 8 to 12 dGH

These guppies are adaptable, but maintaining stability is key to avoiding stress and disease.

Filtration and Aeration

A gentle filter is recommended to maintain water quality without creating strong currents, which could damage the guppies’ delicate fins. Sponge filters work well for guppy tanks, especially breeding tanks.

Lighting

Moderate lighting will highlight their stunning blue hues. Avoid overly bright lighting, as it may stress the fish or promote excessive algae growth.

Plants and Decorations

Live plants like:

Guppy grass
Java moss
Anubias
Hornwort

…are ideal. They offer hiding places and help with natural filtration. Avoid sharp decorations that can tear the fins.

Diet and Feeding

Blue Lace Guppies are omnivores. A varied diet helps bring out their coloration and support their immune system.

Recommended Foods:

High-quality flakes or pellets formulated for tropical fish.
Frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms (2-3 times a week).
Vegetables like blanched spinach or zucchini as occasional treats.

Feed small amounts twice daily. Remove uneaten food to avoid water contamination.

Behavior and Tank Mates

Temperament

Blue Lace Guppies are peaceful, social, and active swimmers. They thrive in groups and enjoy interacting with other guppies or peaceful tank mates.

Suitable Tank Mates

Corydoras catfish
Neon tetras
Mollies
Platies
Otocinclus

Avoid fin-nipping species like tiger barbs or aggressive fish such as cichlids.

Breeding Blue Lace Guppies

One of the most appealing aspects of guppies is their ease of breeding.

Mating Behavior

Males constantly court females by displaying their fins and chasing them. One male for every 2-3 females is ideal to reduce stress on the females.

Gestation and Birth

Gestation period: 21–30 days.
A single female can give birth to 20–50 fry, depending on her size and health.

Breeding Tank Setup

Use a separate breeding tank with:

Gentle filtration (sponge filter)
Dense plant cover or breeding grass
Temperature around 78°F

After birth, separate the fry from adults to prevent predation.

Raising Fry

Feed infusoria or powdered fry food for the first few days.
Progress to baby brine shrimp or crushed flakes after one week.
Frequent water changes and good filtration are essential for growth.

Common Health Issues

Blue Lace Guppies are hardy, but their ornate fins can make them vulnerable to certain conditions.

Diseases to Watch For:

Fin rot: Common in fish with long fins; caused by poor water quality.
Ich (white spot disease): Parasite that shows up as white dots on the body.
Swim bladder disease: Affects buoyancy; often due to overfeeding or poor nutrition.

Prevention Tips:

Maintain clean water.
Avoid overfeeding.
Quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank.
Use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) to boost immunity.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Blue Lace Guppy is 2 to 3 years. With optimal care, some guppies may live slightly longer.

Why Choose Blue Lace Guppies?

1. Visual Appeal

Their lace-patterned fins and metallic blue shimmer make them one of the most eye-catching guppies available.

2. Easy to Care For

Ideal for beginners and hobbyists alike.

3. Breeding Potential

If you enjoy selective breeding, you can refine the lace patterns and blue intensity over generations.

4. Great Community Fish

Peaceful temperament makes them perfect for community aquariums.

Tips for Enhancing Blue Coloration

Use high-quality spirulina-based foods.
Keep lighting consistent to avoid stress.
Avoid crossbreeding with non-blue strains if maintaining color purity.
Provide dark substrate and backgrounds to make the blue pop.

Types of Blue Lace Guppy

Here are the Types of Blue Lace Guppy commonly found in the aquarium hobby:

1. Light Blue Lace Guppy

Features a delicate lace-like tail with soft, pastel blue coloration.
Known for its subtle and graceful appearance.
Often has a semi-transparent tail with intricate patterns.

2. Dark Blue Lace Guppy

Richer, deeper blue tones in both the body and tail.
Tail patterns remain lace-like but are more prominent due to the darker hue.
Offers a striking contrast in planted or well-lit tanks.

3. Blue Lace Dumbo Ear Guppy

Combines the lace tail with large pectoral fins (“Dumbo ears”).
Fins may have hints of blue or silver, matching the tail’s lace pattern.
Popular for its elegant swimming style and unique look.

4. Blue Lace Dragon Guppy

Merges dragon-scale body patterns with a lace-patterned tail.
Features more intense body coloration with a shimmering blue overlay.
A hybrid variety that’s highly sought after by guppy breeders.

5. Metal Blue Lace Guppy

Has a metallic sheen over the body that intensifies the blue lace tail.
The reflective scales give it a glowing, almost iridescent effect.
Looks particularly vibrant under LED lighting.

6. Halfmoon Blue Lace Guppy

Features a wide, fan-shaped tail with lace markings.
The tail spans nearly 180 degrees, resembling a half-moon.
A show-quality variety known for its tail symmetry and coloration.

Final Thoughts

The Blue Lace Guppy is more than just a pretty fish — it’s a living piece of aquatic art. With its flowing, intricately patterned fins and captivating blue shades, it adds both elegance and personality to any freshwater tank. As long as you provide a clean environment, proper nutrition, and a peaceful tank community, your Blue Lace Guppies will reward you with beauty, activity, and even new generations of fry.

Whether you’re a beginner starting your first tank or an expert breeder, the Blue Lace Guppy is a standout choice that brings vibrancy and charm to your aquatic setup.

FAQs About Blue Lace Guppies

Q1: Are Blue Lace Guppies easy to care for?

Yes. They are beginner-friendly fish that adapt well to various freshwater environments. Just ensure consistent water quality and proper diet.

Q2: Can Blue Lace Guppies live with bettas?

It’s risky. Bettas can be aggressive and may nip the guppies’ delicate fins. If you must try, use a large, heavily planted tank with plenty of hiding spots.

Q3: How many Blue Lace Guppies should I keep together?

Keep them in groups of at least 3-6 individuals, ideally more. A 2:1 female-to-male ratio is best for breeding and reducing harassment.

Q4: Do Blue Lace Guppies need a heater?

Yes. Guppies thrive in warm water between 72°F and 82°F. Use an adjustable aquarium heater for temperature stability.

Q5: Can I breed Blue Lace Guppies with other guppy types?

You can, but it will dilute the lace pattern and blue coloration. If you want to preserve or enhance the Blue Lace trait, breed them selectively with the same strain.

Q6: How often should I feed Blue Lace Guppies?

Twice a day in small amounts. Include a mix of flakes, live/frozen foods, and occasional vegetable matter.

Q7: What is the best tank size for Blue Lace Guppies?

A 10-gallon tank is the minimum for a small group. For breeding or community tanks, go for 20 gallons or more.