Santa Maria Guppy Male

The Santa Maria Guppy is a recognised IFGA (International Fancy Guppy Association) show class distinguished by a balanced combination of red and blue colouration in the delta tail and body, meeting specific percentage requirements for each colour zone. This makes it one of the more technically challenging strains to breed to show standard.

Fish meeting the Santa Maria standard are judged on colour balance, tail spread and edge quality, body shape, and dorsal fin presentation. Hobbyist-grade Santa Maria guppies display the characteristic bicolour pattern without necessarily meeting all show requirements.

This strain is best kept by intermediate hobbyists who can maintain stable conditions and are interested in understanding guppy genetics and show standards.

Water: 22–28 °C, pH 7.0–8.0, GH 10–20; hard water supports colour expression in both zones. Tank: 60 L minimum; calm water; plants with fine leaves. Feeding: Varied diet of colour flake, spirulina, live Artemia; critical for maintaining bicolour balance. Breeding: Livebearer; bicolour balance is polygenic; culling is necessary to maintain standard. Compatibility: Peaceful; best in a dedicated show-strain or gentle community tank.