By weeebooo70@gmail.com 
The Blue Galaxy Guppy is one of the most mesmerizing and visually stunning guppy strains ever developed. With its shimmering blue body, speckled “galaxy” patterns, and flowing fins, this guppy appears as though it was painted by the cosmos itself. Aquarists across the globe have fallen in love with its celestial beauty, peaceful nature, and hardy disposition.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into everything you need to know about the Blue Galaxy Guppy—from its origins and physical traits to ideal care practices, breeding, diet, and frequently asked questions. Whether you’re a beginner fish keeper or an experienced hobbyist, this article will help you successfully raise and appreciate the full potential of this aquatic star.
1. Introduction to Blue Galaxy Guppy
The Blue Galaxy Guppy is a selectively bred strain of Poecilia reticulata, renowned for its deep blue base color adorned with specks and starry patterns that resemble a star-filled night sky. This guppy is often the centerpiece of planted aquariums due to its remarkable aesthetic and graceful movement.
Its name comes from its galaxy-like appearance—sparkling dots scattered over a deep blue background—making it one of the most photogenic and highly sought-after guppy strains worldwide.
2. Origins and Selective Breeding
The Blue Galaxy Guppy was developed through extensive selective breeding, combining desirable genetic traits from different guppy lines, such as blue-bodied strains, mosaic patterns, and reflective scales. Originally popularized in Asia—particularly in Thailand, Indonesia, and Japan—this guppy has quickly become a favorite in Europe and North America as well.
Selective breeders focused on enhancing the metallic blue base, adding “galaxy” speckles across the tail and body, and developing long, flowing tails to complete the starry aesthetic.
3. Physical Appearance and Coloration
The Blue Galaxy Guppy stands out for its hypnotic color palette and body structure.
Key Features:
- Body Color: Deep blue or royal blue with metallic iridescence
- Galaxy Pattern: Scattered white or light-colored specks across the body and tail
- Tail Type: Commonly fan tail, delta tail, or lyretail
- Size: Males: 1.5 inches (3.8 cm), Females: 2.5 inches (6.3 cm)
The tail often carries a rich mosaic or star-dust pattern, shimmering beautifully under proper lighting.
4. Unique Traits of the Blue Galaxy Guppy
- Cosmic Aesthetic: Looks like a miniature galaxy swimming in your tank
- Versatile Tail Shapes: Can be bred into various fancy tail styles
- Hardiness: Adaptable to a wide range of conditions
- Peaceful: Ideal for community tanks
Its beauty and ease of care make it suitable for both display tanks and breeding projects.
5. Male vs Female Identification
Understanding gender differences is crucial for breeding and tank planning.
| Trait | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Brighter, more detailed | Less vibrant |
| Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Fins | Long and flowing | Shorter and rounder |
| Gravid Spot | Absent | Present near the anal fin |
| Behavior | Active, often chases females | Calm and social |
6. Temperament and Behavior
Blue Galaxy Guppies are peaceful, active, and social. They prefer to swim in groups and are generally non-aggressive, making them ideal for community tanks.
Behavior Traits:
- Playful and inquisitive
- Males may display to impress females
- Peaceful with similarly sized tank mates
Due to their sociable nature, they thrive in groups of 6 or more.
7. Aquarium Setup and Tank Requirements
Creating a healthy environment is key to their color vibrancy and lifespan.
Tank Size:
- Minimum: 10 gallons (ideal for small groups)
- Optimal: 20–30 gallons for larger colonies or mixed setups
Aquascaping:
- Live plants: Java moss, Anubias, Water wisteria
- Substrate: Fine gravel or sand
- Filtration: Sponge filter or gentle HOB filter
- Lighting: Full-spectrum LED to highlight coloration
Plants offer shelter, aid in fry survival, and improve water quality.
8. Ideal Water Conditions
Guppies are tolerant of a variety of water parameters, but stable and optimal conditions boost their health and appearance.
- Temperature: 74°F – 82°F (23°C – 28°C)
- pH: 6.8 – 7.8
- Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
Regular water changes (20–30% weekly) and monitoring are essential for long-term health.
9. Compatible Tank Mates
The Blue Galaxy Guppy is peaceful and can cohabitate with many other gentle species.
Best Tank Mates:
- Neon Tetras
- Platies
- Corydoras Catfish
- Harlequin Rasboras
- Mollies
- Cherry Shrimp
- Nerite Snails
Avoid:
- Betta fish
- Tiger Barbs
- Large or aggressive cichlids
10. Diet and Nutrition
A well-rounded diet enhances the blue coloration and keeps guppies active and healthy.
Recommended Foods:
- Flake or pellet food: High-quality tropical fish formulas
- Live or frozen: Brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia
- Vegetables: Blanched spinach, spirulina flakes
Feed 2–3 times a day in small portions. Overfeeding leads to poor water quality and obesity.
11. Breeding the Blue Galaxy Guppy
Guppies are prolific breeders, and the Blue Galaxy strain is no exception.
Breeding Requirements:
- Male-to-female ratio: 1:2 or 1:3
- Use of breeding box or heavily planted tank
- Water temp: 78°F (26°C)
Gestation:
- 21 to 30 days
- Female can deliver 20–50 fry per birth
Post-birth, remove adults or provide hiding spots for fry to increase survival rates.
12. Caring for Fry
Fry are delicate and require gentle care to grow into vibrant adults.
Fry Care Tips:
- Use sponge filters to prevent suction injuries
- Feed crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, or infusoria
- Perform frequent but gentle water changes
They begin to develop galaxy markings within 2–3 weeks.
13. Common Health Issues
Despite their hardiness, Blue Galaxy Guppies can be prone to common tropical fish diseases.
Health Risks:
- Ich (white spot)
- Fin rot
- Swim bladder disorder
- Fungal infections
- Internal parasites
Prevention:
- Quarantine new fish
- Maintain clean water
- Feed a balanced diet
- Avoid overcrowding
Early signs include lethargy, clamped fins, and visible spots or mold.
14. Enhancing Color and Lifespan
To bring out the best in your Blue Galaxy Guppies:
- Use high-quality lighting to accentuate blue hues
- Provide a varied diet with color-enhancing foods
- Keep stress low with proper tank mates and hiding spots
- Avoid poor water conditions—the #1 cause of color fading
With good care, their lifespan ranges from 2 to 3 years.
15. Purchasing Tips and Availability
Blue Galaxy Guppies are available in:
- Aquarium stores
- Online breeders
- Guppy shows and forums
Price:
- Ranges from $4 to $15 per fish, depending on strain quality and tail type
Choose active fish with clear eyes, no tears in fins, and vibrant coloration.
16. Conclusion
The Blue Galaxy Guppy is a breathtaking addition to any freshwater aquarium. Its unique coloration—like a star-filled night sky—along with its gentle personality and ease of care, make it ideal for both new and seasoned aquarists. Whether you’re building a show tank or looking for a breeding project, this celestial guppy never disappoints.
Give it the right care, and you’ll be rewarded with a dazzling display of blue brilliance, elegant motion, and vibrant activity.
17. FAQs
Q1: Are Blue Galaxy Guppies hard to keep?
No. They are beginner-friendly and easy to care for with proper water maintenance.
Q2: How long do Blue Galaxy Guppies live?
They typically live 2 to 3 years with good care.
Q3: Can Blue Galaxy Guppies live with shrimp?
Yes. They are peaceful and do well with shrimp like Cherry and Amano.
Q4: How often do they breed?
Females can give birth every 3 to 4 weeks under optimal conditions.
Q5: What causes their color to fade?
Color fading may result from stress, poor diet, or bad water conditions.
Q6: Do they need a heater?
Yes. Stable warm temperatures (74–82°F) are necessary for health and color.
Q7: How big do Blue Galaxy Guppies get?
Males grow up to 1.5 inches, while females can reach 2.5 inches.