Poecilia reticulata var.
Also known as: Half-Black Blue Guppy, HB Blue Guppy
Origin: Captive bred (originally Trinidad)
The Half-Black Blue Guppy is one of the oldest and most respected fancy guppy strains, with the half-black gene producing a precise demarcation between the solid black posterior half and the vivid iridescent blue anterior body. This two-tone contrast is visually striking and has made half-black varieties perennial favourites at shows.
The blue anterior can range from pale powder-blue to deep cobalt depending on lineage, and males with a sharp, clean dividing line and full-bodied blue colouration are especially prized. The tail typically mirrors the blue colouration.
This strain is hardy, easy to breed, and makes an excellent introduction to maintaining a show guppy line.
Water: 22–28 °C, pH 7.0–8.0, moderate to hard water. Tank: 60 L minimum; well-planted; moderate filtration with gentle flow. Feeding: Quality flake base with regular live/frozen food supplements for best colour. Breeding: Breeds true for half-black pattern; fry develop colour by 6–8 weeks. Compatibility: Ideal community fish; pairs well with tetras, rasboras, and peaceful bottom dwellers.
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