Description
The Black Lyretail Guppy is a striking freshwater livebearer admired for its dramatic lyre-shaped tail and deep black coloration. Native to parts of South America, this guppy is a popular choice for community aquariums due to its vibrant appearance, active swimming behaviour, and ease of care. Males display elongated, flowing caudal fins with a distinct lyre shape, while females are larger, slightly less colorful, and carry young in their gravid spot. With proper water conditions and a well-balanced diet, Black Lyretail Guppies exhibit strong colour saturation and lively schooling behaviour, making them a standout addition to planted aquariums.
Features of Black Lyretail Guppy
• Scientific name: Poecilia reticulata
• Common name: Black Lyretail Guppy
• Origin: South America
• Adult size: 3–5 cm
• Temperament: Peaceful and active
• Lifespan: 2–3 years
• Water temperature: 22–28 °C
• pH range: 7.0–8.0
• Diet: Omnivorous
The Best Aquarium Size for Guppies:
Being small fish, guppies don’t need enormous amounts of room.Each 3cm guppy should have at least 4L of water. 20L Aquarium = 3 guppies If you are planing to add live plants or fake plants, decorations in your aquarium, you need to think about a bigger tank for your fishes.
After an Aquarium for your fish? Browse our Aquarium Tank Selection here.
The Best Mix of Guppy Males and Females:
- Guppies should be kept in trios : 2-3 females to each male.
- You can also setup a males-only or females-only guppy tank.
Feeding :
Guppies accept a high variety of food. However, they should be given a diet with high vegetable content, so good mixture of foods is ideal. You can give them vegie flakes, spirulina tabs, frozen food and live food. Check out our Top Rated Natural Fish Foods.
Guppy Male Assorted Tank Guide:
Heater :
The temperature of your guppy’s tank should match that of its native, natural habitat. Ideal water temperatures sit between at a stable number between 22⁰C – 26⁰C.
Looking for a Heater for your fish? Check all available Tank Heater here.
Light :
You can choose to use lighting in your aquarium if that’s what you prefer. Easily replicate natural conditions with artificial lighting (12 hours of light every 24 hours.)
Need An Aquarium Light for your tank? Browse our Fish Tank Aquarium Lighting
Substrate :
Plants for Guppies:
It’s suitable to use many different kinds of plants for guppies and decorations.
-
Java moss: a low-light plant that doesn’t require too much care, java moss grows easily and constantly once it attaches itself to the substrate;
-
Amazon sword plant: its wide and long leaves are great if you want to hide aquarium equipment, plus it offers cover for fry or expectant guppies;
-
Rotala Rotundifolia: If you want something more special, this plant has interesting leaves that can become reddish if the plant receives enough light; a compact and bushy plant that’s relatively undemanding;
-
Cryptocoryne Wendtii: a slow-growing plant that doesn’t require much in the way of maintenance.
Decorations for Guppies:
