By weeebooo70@gmail.com 
When it comes to elegance and grace in freshwater aquariums, few fish compare to the Full White Guppy. These guppies are a shining star in the ornamental fish world, known for their snow-white bodies, flowing fins, and peaceful demeanor. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned aquarist, the Full White Guppy offers both aesthetic pleasure and ease of care.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about Full White Guppies, including their history, appearance, care, breeding, tank setup, feeding, disease management, and more.
What Is a Full White Guppy?
The Full White Guppy is a selectively bred variety of Poecilia reticulata, commonly known as guppies. As the name suggests, this guppy is entirely white, from head to tail, with a pearlescent or matte sheen. Unlike albino guppies, Full White Guppies have black eyes, indicating they are not true albinos.
Their serene, angelic appearance makes them a popular choice in aquascaping and ornamental fish displays. The shimmering white body, combined with flowing fins, gives them a graceful presence in any tank.
Origins and Genetics
Full White Guppies are a result of selective breeding focused on achieving a uniform white coloration throughout the body and fins. The process involves breeding guppies with light pigmentation and eliminating any colored offspring from the line.
Their white coloration is often the result of leucism, a condition in which pigmentation is partially lost. Some strains also include albino genes, though true albinos will have red or pink eyes. Breeders aim for the perfect combination of body color, fin size, and health.
Distinguishing Features of Full White Guppies
- Color: Uniform snow-white or pearl white coloration from head to tail
- Fins: Long, flowing dorsal and caudal fins (especially in males)
- Size: Males typically reach 1.5–2 inches; females can grow up to 2.5 inches
- Eyes: Black (indicating they are not albino)
- Body Shape: Slender and streamlined in males; rounder and larger in females
- Temperament: Peaceful, social, and non-aggressive
Their neutral color also makes them an ideal contrast to brightly colored tank mates, highlighting their presence in a planted or minimalist aquarium.
Male vs Female Full White Guppy
Male
- Slimmer body
- More vibrant and defined white color
- Larger fins and more decorative tail
- Smaller in size
Female
- Larger, bulkier body
- Slightly duller white hue
- Smaller, less elaborate fins
- Pregnant females develop a noticeable gravid spot
Both sexes are beautiful in their own way and can be kept together, especially if you want to breed them.
Tank Setup for Full White Guppies
Creating the perfect environment is crucial for their health and coloration. Here’s how to set up an ideal tank:
1. Tank Size
- Minimum: 10 gallons (for a small group)
- Ideal: 20–30 gallons for a community or breeding tank
2. Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C–28°C)
- pH: 6.8 to 7.8
- Hardness: 8–12 dGH
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: <40 ppm
3. Filtration
- Use a sponge filter or internal filter for gentle flow.
- Keep water clean but avoid strong currents that stress guppies.
4. Substrate and Decor
- Sand or fine gravel substrate
- Live plants (Java fern, guppy grass, hornwort)
- Driftwood or hiding places
5. Lighting
- Moderate lighting to highlight their white coloration
- Avoid harsh lights that can stress the fish
6. Tank Mates
- Peaceful community fish like:
- Neon Tetras
- Corydoras
- Mollies
- Platies
- Other Guppies
- Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species (e.g., Tiger Barbs)
Diet and Nutrition
Full White Guppies are omnivores and require a varied diet for vibrant coloration and reproductive health.
Ideal Foods:
- High-quality flake or pellet food (formulated for guppies)
- Frozen or live foods:
- Brine shrimp
- Daphnia
- Bloodworms
- Vegetables:
- Boiled spinach
- Peas (shelled and mashed)
- Algae-based wafers
Feed them 1–2 times daily in small portions that they can consume in under 2 minutes.
Breeding Full White Guppies
Full White Guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry.
Breeding Setup:
- Use a separate breeding tank (10 gallons)
- Include dense plants or a breeding box to protect fry
- Maintain slightly warmer temperatures (78°F–80°F)
Mating Behavior:
- Males chase females and attempt to mate frequently
- One male per 2–3 females is ideal to prevent stress
Gestation:
- Lasts around 21–30 days
- Female gives birth to 20–50 fry, depending on her size and health
Fry Care:
- Feed newly born fry with infusoria, baby brine shrimp, or crushed flakes
- Keep them separate from adult fish for 4–6 weeks to avoid being eaten
Selective breeding over generations is required to maintain a pure white strain and avoid unwanted colors.
Common Diseases and Prevention
Like all guppies, Full White Guppies are susceptible to common freshwater diseases.
Common Issues:
- Ich (White Spot Disease): Treat with aquarium salt or Ich medication
- Fin Rot: Caused by poor water quality; use antibacterial treatments
- Velvet Disease: Protozoan infection, treat with copper-based meds
- Swim Bladder Disorder: Overfeeding or constipation-related
Prevention Tips:
- Maintain stable water parameters
- Avoid overfeeding
- Quarantine new fish for 2 weeks
- Perform regular water changes (25% weekly)
Why Choose Full White Guppies?
There are many reasons hobbyists fall in love with Full White Guppies:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Their snow-white bodies look stunning against any tank background.
- Peaceful Nature: Ideal for community tanks.
- Easy to Breed: Great for beginners wanting to try their hand at guppy breeding.
- Low Maintenance: Hardy and adaptable to most freshwater conditions.
- Perfect for Aquascaping: Their clean, neutral appearance enhances plant and decor visibility.
Tips for Maintaining Their White Color
To keep their color bright and vibrant:
- Avoid direct sunlight to reduce algae growth that can tint their bodies
- Keep water crystal clear
- Use color-enhancing foods like spirulina-based flakes
- Avoid breeding with colored guppies to prevent dilution of the white gene
Full White Guppy Price and Availability
These guppies are available at most aquarium stores and online sellers.
- Price Range: $3 to $10 per fish, depending on size, fin type, and quality
- Breeding Pairs: Often sold in trios or breeding groups
Look for reputable breeders or sellers who offer healthy, disease-free stock.
Ideal for All Aquarists
Whether you’re a beginner looking for a hardy fish or an expert aquarist seeking a classy addition to your display tank, the Full White Guppy fits the bill. Their adaptability, elegance, and ease of breeding make them a favorite worldwide.
By following proper care practices, you’ll not only enjoy their beauty but also contribute to preserving this magnificent strain.
FAQs About Full White Guppies
1. Are Full White Guppies albino?
No, Full White Guppies are not true albinos because they have black eyes. Their color comes from selective breeding, not albinism.
2. Can Full White Guppies live with other fish?
Yes, they are peaceful and can live with other non-aggressive fish like tetras, mollies, and corydoras.
3. How do you maintain the white color in guppies?
Clean water, a healthy diet, and avoiding crossbreeding with colored strains help maintain their pure white appearance.
4. How many Full White Guppies should I keep together?
At least 3–6 is ideal. Keep a ratio of 1 male to 2–3 females for breeding tanks.
5. What size tank is best for Full White Guppies?
A 10-gallon tank is the minimum, but 20 gallons or more is better for a community setup.
6. Do Full White Guppies need a heater?
Yes, they prefer warm tropical temperatures (72–82°F), so a heater is recommended in most climates.
7. Can I breed Full White Guppies at home?
Absolutely! They are livebearers and easy to breed. Keep them in a separate breeding tank for best results.