Black Moscow Guppy Pair
Shipping policy
🚚 Shipping Schedule for Live Aquatic Life
We ship live aquatic animals exclusively on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays to ensure timely and safe delivery. Please note that this schedule may shift due to holidays or unexpected events.
Once your package is in the hands of the postal service, transit times are beyond our control. In the rare event that your aquatic life arrives deceased, please follow the steps outlined in our Live Arrival Guarantee to request a claim.
All fish are fasted for at least 24 hours prior to shipping.
🐠 Live Arrival Guarantee
We take great care in shipping your aquatic life, but please note that with any live animal delivery, there is a possibility of loss upon arrival (Dead on Arrival or DOA). Should this occur, we require a clear photo of the affected fish inside their original, unopened packaging on the same day they are received to process a DOA claim. Purchasing this item indicates your agreement to follow this protocol.
Once the fish are introduced into their tank, responsibility for their well-being lies with the owner. We are unable to offer refunds for losses occurring after delivery.
📦 Important Delivery Tip:
If you won’t be home to receive the package, we strongly recommend arranging with the courier to hold it for pickup. Leaving the package outside in extreme temperatures may compromise the health of your new aquatic companion.
Specie characteristics
Appearance
-
- Color: Predominantly black, sometimes with metallic or iridescent highlights on the body or fins.
- Size: Adult males are usually smaller (1.5–2 inches), while females are larger (up to 2.5 inches).
- Fins: Can have long, flowing tails (like delta or veil tail) or shorter fins depending on the strain.
- Body Shape: Slender and streamlined, typical of guppies.
🌍 Origin & Genetics
- Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) are native to northeastern South America, including Venezuela, Guyana, and Trinidad.
- The black color morph is not found in wild populations; it was developed through selective breeding by aquarists.
- Breeders aimed to enhance melanin expression to achieve a solid black appearance, leading to strains like Black Moscow, Black Lace, and Full Black.
- Color Genes: Guppy coloration is controlled by multiple genes, including:
- Melanin genes (responsible for black pigment).
- Modifier genes that influence pigment distribution and intensity.
- Black Moscow strain: Often linked to a dominant gene that enhances melanin and suppresses other colors.
- Polygenic Trait: Black coloration is influenced by several genes, making it complex to maintain pure black lines.
- Sex-linked traits: Some color genes are carried on the X chromosome, so males and females may express colors differently.
😇 Temperament
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Behavior: Peaceful, social, and active swimmers.
- Compatibility: Ideal for community tanks with other non-aggressive species.
- Activity Level: Very active and curious, often seen exploring the tank.
🏡 Tank Requirements
|
Parameter |
Ideal Range |
|
Tank Size |
Minimum 10 gallons |
|
Temperature |
72–78°F (22–26°C) |
|
pH Level |
7.0–7.5 |
|
Hardness |
8–12 dGH |
|
Filtration |
Gentle but effective |
|
Lighting |
Moderate to bright |
- Water Quality: Stable parameters are crucial. Avoid sudden changes in temperature or pH.
- Substrate: Fine gravel or sand works well.
- Plants: Live plants like Java moss, Anubias, and Hornwort provide shelter and improve water quality.
- Decor: Include hiding spots like driftwood, rocks, or small caves.
🍽️ Diet
- Type: Omnivorous.
- Staple Foods: High-quality flake food or micro pellets.
- Supplements:
- Live/Frozen Foods: Brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms.
- Vegetables: Blanched spinach, zucchini, or peas.
- Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times daily in small portions.
🛠️ Tank Setup Tips
- Use a sponge filter or gentle HOB filter to avoid fin damage.
- Maintain a regular cleaning schedule—weekly water changes of 25–30%.
- Add floating plants to diffuse light and reduce stress.
- Consider a heater to maintain consistent temperature.
- Avoid overcrowding, stick to the rule of 1 inch of fish per gallon.