Overview

A small Venezuelan livebearer with bright male colouration. Males reach roughly 2.5–3cm and are much smaller than females. Assorted trade strains may have guppy ancestry.

Scientific name: Poecilia wingei

Behaviour

Keep a social group of six or more males. Plants help subordinate fish avoid chasing. Mixed-sex groups reproduce readily, so plan space before introducing females.

Tank Size

Our recommended minimum is 45 litres with a 45 × 30cm base for a male group; 60 litres or more offers more stable conditions and room for tank mates.

These are adult housing recommendations; choose more space when adding tank mates. Allow for space occupied by substrate and décor when comparing aquarium capacities.

Compatibility

Suitable companions include small, peaceful hard-water fish. Do not mix with guppies if preserving a pure strain matters; they can hybridise. Large fish may eat them.

Diet

Crush flakes or use tiny micro-pellets. Offer small daphnia or newly hatched brine shrimp for variety; large pellets are difficult for these small mouths.

Care

• Temperature: 24–28°C
• pH: 7.0–8.5
• General hardness: 15–30 dGH

Keep water well mineralised and filtered. An intake sponge prevents tiny fish entering the filter. Use plants along the sides without blocking swimming room.

Add only to a fully cycled aquarium. Keep ammonia and nitrite at 0mg/l. Start with a 25–30% weekly water change using dechlorinated, temperature-matched water and adjust to test results and stocking. Rinse biological filter media in removed aquarium water rather than under the tap.

Live Animals Are Click and Collect Only. You can order online, choose click and collect, and we will hold your order for collection in store.