{"product_id":"panda-guppy-poecilia-reticulata","title":"Panda Guppy - Poecilia reticulata","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePanda Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Panda Guppy is a beautiful and distinctive freshwater livebearer admired for its contrasting black-and-white colouration, elegant finnage and lively, peaceful personality. A selectively bred ornamental variety of the popular Guppy, this attractive fish typically displays a pale silver, white or bluish body with darker black markings across the rear body and tail, creating its characteristic panda-like appearance. Mature males are particularly eye-catching, often developing more intense colouration and larger decorative tail fins, while females are generally fuller-bodied with more subtle markings. Easy to appreciate and entertaining to observe, Panda Guppies make an excellent addition to established tropical community aquariums and planted freshwater displays.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePanda Guppy, Panda Fancy Guppy, Black and White Panda Guppy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePoecilia reticulata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 4–6 cm, with females generally growing larger and fuller-bodied than males\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Panda Guppy is a selectively bred ornamental strain of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePoecilia reticulata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, developed through captive breeding to produce its distinctive contrasting body colours and attractive finnage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWild Guppies originate from northern South America and parts of the Caribbean, including Venezuela, Trinidad, Barbados, Guyana and neighbouring regions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural populations inhabit a wide variety of freshwater environments, including streams, rivers, pools, ponds and slower-moving waterways.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese habitats frequently contain aquatic vegetation, submerged roots and sheltered areas where fish can feed, reproduce and avoid predators.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWild \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePoecilia reticulata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e naturally consume small aquatic invertebrates, insect larvae, algae and other available organic material.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Panda Guppy retains the natural behaviour and general care requirements of the wild species but has been selectively bred for its ornamental appearance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 22–28°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 7.0–8.0\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness: Moderately Hard to Hard, approximately 8–20 dGH\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite: 0 ppm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNitrate: Kept low and stable\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePanda Guppies are peaceful, active and sociable freshwater fish that are well suited to community aquariums containing similarly sized, non-aggressive species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey are best maintained in small groups, allowing them to display natural swimming, feeding and social behaviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMale Guppies may frequently pursue females during courtship, so mixed groups should ideally contain at least two or three females for every male to reduce persistent harassment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlternatively, male-only groups can be maintained where breeding is not desired, although occasional displaying and chasing between males is normal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid aggressive tankmates and persistent fin-nipping species, particularly where male Panda Guppies develop extended decorative tail fins.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePanda Guppies are omnivorous fish that readily accept a wide variety of aquarium foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, provide a balanced diet of high-quality tropical flakes, small granules or appropriately sized micro pellets formulated for livebearing fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSupplementary foods can include frozen or live brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, mosquito larvae and other small aquatic invertebrates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVegetable-based foods, including spirulina flakes and finely prepared plant matter, should also form part of their regular diet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA varied feeding routine helps maintain healthy growth, vibrant colouration and strong fin development.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOffer small portions once or twice daily, ensuring all individuals receive sufficient food without allowing excessive waste to accumulate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 60 litres\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA mature aquarium measuring at least 60 cm in length is recommended for a small group of Panda Guppies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarger aquariums are preferable for mixed groups containing males and females, particularly because Guppies reproduce readily and populations can increase quickly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide open swimming areas alongside live aquarium plants, floating vegetation and natural shelter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough relatively small, Panda Guppies should not be maintained in cramped or unstable aquariums, as consistent water quality is particularly important for ornamental strains.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Panda Guppy is an active, inquisitive freshwater fish that spends much of its time swimming through the middle and upper regions of the aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMature males frequently display their colourful tails and fins while courting females or interacting with other males.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTheir characteristic black-and-white markings create an attractive contrast against green aquarium plants and natural backgrounds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePanda Guppies are livebearing fish, meaning females give birth to fully formed, free-swimming young rather than laying eggs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnder suitable conditions, females may produce batches of fry approximately every four to six weeks, with brood size varying according to age, size and condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFemale Guppies can also store sperm, allowing them to produce additional broods without further mating.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDense planting, floating plants and fine-leaved vegetation provide useful shelter for newborn fry, although adults may consume some of their young.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommunity Suitability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommunity Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePanda Guppies are excellent additions to peaceful tropical freshwater community aquariums, particularly those maintained with moderately hard to hard water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable companions include Platies, peaceful small rainbowfish, compatible rasboras, suitably selected Corydoras catfish and other non-aggressive community species that tolerate similar water conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey can also coexist with peaceful freshwater snails and adult shrimp, although newly hatched shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid aggressive cichlids, large predatory fish and persistent fin-nipping species that may damage their ornamental fins.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVery soft, acidic-water specialists are not ideal companions because their preferred water conditions differ from those of Guppies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMale-only groups can be maintained in peaceful community aquariums where breeding is not desired.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a mature, well-established freshwater aquarium with stable water chemistry and efficient biological filtration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePanda Guppies prefer moderately hard to hard water with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Avoid maintaining them in very soft, acidic water, as insufficient mineral content may contribute to long-term health problems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain stable tropical temperatures, ideally around 24–26°C, and avoid sudden fluctuations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInclude live aquarium plants, floating vegetation and natural shelter while retaining open swimming areas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePanda Guppies are social fish and should ideally be kept in groups rather than individually.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen keeping both sexes together, maintain approximately two or three females for every male to reduce persistent courtship pressure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBe aware that Guppies breed readily, and females may continue producing fry after being separated from males due to their ability to store sperm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf breeding is not desired, consider maintaining a male-only group or ensuring a suitable plan is in place for any offspring.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a varied diet containing quality prepared foods, vegetable-based ingredients and occasional frozen or live foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegular partial water changes are important for maintaining excellent water quality and supporting healthy fin development.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid sharp decorations and aggressive fin-nipping tankmates, as the extended fins of ornamental males can be vulnerable to damage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSelect healthy, active specimens with clear eyes, intact fins, normal swimming behaviour and good body condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs a selectively bred colour variety, individual Panda Guppies may naturally vary in the distribution of black markings, body colour and tail shape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeginner to Intermediate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOccasional \/ Captive-bred \/ Ornamental Strain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":67855091400877,"sku":"AG-105150","price":3.45,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":67855091433645,"sku":"AG-105151","price":3.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":67855091466413,"sku":"AG-105152","price":4.45,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/PepperedLongfinCorydora-Hoplisomapaleatumvar_1.jpg?v=1793546638","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/panda-guppy-poecilia-reticulata","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}