By weeebooo70@gmail.com 
Black guppy fish are among the most elegant and dramatic freshwater aquarium fish. Their deep, velvety coloration creates a striking contrast in planted tanks and aquascapes.
Like all guppies, they belong to the species Poecilia reticulata and are tropical livebearers known for their hardiness and easy breeding.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about black guppies—from care and tank setup to breeding and genetics.
🐠 What Is a Black Guppy?
A black guppy is a selectively bred strain that displays predominantly solid black coloration across the body and tail. High-quality specimens have:
- Deep jet-black body
- Uniform color without fading
- Minimal metallic shine
- Strong tail shape
- Active swimming behavior
The most famous variety is the Black Moscow Guppy.
🖤 Types of Black Guppies
1️⃣ Black Moscow
- Solid black body and tail
- Most popular black strain
- Highly sought after by breeders
2️⃣ Black Tuxedo
- Dark rear half of body
- Lighter or patterned front
3️⃣ Black Cobra
- Black base with subtle patterning
- Slight metallic sheen
4️⃣ Half Black (HB) Strains
- Lower half of body black
- Top half may be colored
Among these, Black Moscow strains are considered the most premium.
🏠 Tank Setup for Black Guppies
Black guppies require the same care as other guppies but benefit from a thoughtfully designed tank.
Tank Size
- Minimum: 10 gallons
- Ideal: 20 gallons
Water Parameters
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 25–27°C |
| pH | 7.0–7.5 |
| Hardness | Moderate |
| Ammonia | 0 ppm |
| Nitrite | 0 ppm |
| Nitrate | Below 20 ppm |
Consistency is critical for maintaining deep coloration.
🌿 Best Aquascape for Black Guppies
Black guppies look stunning against:
- Bright green plants
- Light-colored substrate
- Strong background lighting
Recommended plants:
- Java moss
- Anubias
- Water sprite
- Rotala
A black background enhances their dramatic appearance.
Feeding for Deep Black Color
Proper diet improves both health and coloration.
Staple Diet
- High-quality flake or pellet food
Protein Boost (2–3 times weekly)
- Brine shrimp
- Bloodworms
- Daphnia
High-protein diets improve fin size and body condition.
Avoid low-quality foods that may cause color fading.
🐣 Breeding Black Guppies
Black guppies are livebearers.
- Gestation: 21–30 days
- Fry per batch: 20–50
- Fry are born free-swimming
To Maintain Solid Black Color:
- Breed only black-to-black pairs
- Avoid mixing strains
- Cull fry with faded or patchy coloration
- Separate males early to control genetics
Line breeding helps maintain consistent color quality.
🎯 Selecting High-Quality Black Guppies
Look for:
✔ Uniform deep black color
✔ No gray patches
✔ Full, symmetrical tail
✔ Active swimming
✔ Clear eyes and intact fins
Avoid fish with:
✘ Bent spines
✘ Torn fins
✘ Pale body
🩺 Common Issues in Black Guppies
Because darker strains are heavily line-bred, watch for:
- Weaker immune systems
- Smaller brood sizes
- Sensitivity to poor water quality
Regular water changes prevent most problems.
🕒 Lifespan
Black guppies typically live:
2–3 years with proper care.
Stable water, balanced diet, and low stress maximize lifespan.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Overcrowding
- Mixing black strain with random guppies
- Poor filtration
- Skipping water changes
- Feeding low-quality food
🏆 Why Black Guppies Are Popular
- Elegant and dramatic appearance
- Perfect for planted aquascapes
- Great for selective breeding
- Eye-catching in display tanks
They are especially striking in well-lit planted tanks.
Final Thoughts
Black guppy fish combine beauty, elegance, and easy care. With stable water conditions, proper feeding, and careful breeding, you can maintain deep, rich black coloration and healthy bloodlines.
Whether you keep them for display or selective breeding, black guppies are one of the most visually impressive freshwater fish available