Snake skin mosaic guppy ( pair)

The Snake Skin Mosaic Guppy 🐠 is one of the most eye-catching guppy varieties — loved for its intricate “snakeskin” body pattern and brilliantly colored, mosaic-patterned tail. It’s a lively, hardy, and easy-to-care-for fish, making it a favorite for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

Here’s a detailed care guide:

🧬 Overview

• Scientific name: Poecilia reticulata

• Common name: Snake Skin Mosaic Guppy

• Origin: Selectively bred from wild guppies (originally from South America)

• Lifespan: 2–3 years (can live longer in ideal conditions)

• Size: 3–6 cm (males smaller and more colorful; females larger and duller)

🎨 Appearance

• Body pattern: Reticulated or “snake-like” dark lines across the body.

• Tail (caudal fin): Vibrant mosaic pattern — red, orange, blue, or multicolored.

• Fins: Long and flowing in males, shorter in females.

• Sexual dimorphism:

  • Males — smaller, vivid, ornate fins.

  • Females — larger, plainer, with visible gravid spot near anal fin.

🌡️ Tank Requirements

🍽️ Diet

• Omnivorous and not picky!

• Staple: High-quality flake or micro pellet food.

• Supplements: Baby brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms (frozen or live), and blanched veggies (spinach, zucchini).

• Feed small portions twice a day.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Breeding

• Livebearers — females give birth to free-swimming fry.

• Gestation: ~28 days.

• Females can store sperm and produce multiple broods from a single mating.

• Fry care:

  • Separate fry or provide dense plants (adult guppies may eat them).

  • Feed powdered flakes, infusoria, or baby brine shrimp.

🤕 Common Issues

• Fin rot → poor water quality.

• Ich (white spots) → sudden temperature drops.

• Fading colors → stress or lack of nutrients.

• Tail nipping → avoid keeping with aggressive fish.

🪩 Tank Mates

Peaceful community fish only:
✅ Neon tetras, mollies, platies, cory catfish, small rasboras
🚫 Avoid barbs or bettas (they nip fins).