Green Moscow Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) – Bred by Aquatic Arts

Species Overview The Green Moscow Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a selectively bred fancy guppy developed for the deep, reflective green coloration characteristic of the Green Moscow strain. Rather than relying on contrasting spots or complex tail patterns, Moscow-type guppies are prized for extensive coloration that can continue across much of the body and into the fins, creating a more uniform appearance than many patterned fancy guppy strains. Males typically develop the strongest green coloration and more elaborate ornamental finnage, with their appearance shifting between green, blue-green, and metallic tones as the fish moves under different lighting. Females grow larger and develop fuller bodies, with coloration generally more restrained than mature males. Like other domestic guppies, Green Moscow Guppies are active, social livebearers that spend much of the day swimming, displaying, interacting, and foraging through the upper and middle portions of the aquarium. Our Green Moscow Guppies are Bred by Aquatic Arts through our own guppy breeding program. Raising this strain ourselves gives our team direct involvement from breeding and early development through grow-out, conditioning, and preparation for sale. Their distinctive Moscow-type coloration, peaceful temperament, manageable adult size, and constant activity make them an excellent choice for planted displays, appropriately planned community aquariums, and selective guppy breeding projects. What We Love About This Fish Distinctive Green Moscow Coloration: Mature males can develop extensive green to blue-green coloration across much of the body and fins, giving the strain a very different appearance from heavily patterned fancy guppies. Color That Changes With the View: The reflective coloration of Green Moscow Guppies can appear greener, darker, or more blue-green as the fish moves and the viewing angle or aquarium lighting changes. Active and Highly Visible: Green Moscow Guppies spend much of the day swimming, displaying, interacting, and foraging through the upper and middle portions of the aquarium. Bred by Aquatic Arts: This strain is produced through our own breeding program, giving our team direct involvement from breeding and early development through grow-out and conditioning for its future aquarium. Quick Care Guide Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata Common Name: Green Moscow Guppy Source: Bred by Aquatic Arts Average Purchase Size: Approximately 1–1.5 inches; size varies by age and sex Adult Size: Males typically reach approximately 1.5–2 inches, while females commonly reach approximately 2–2.5 inches Care Level: Easy. Green Moscow Guppies are adaptable, but consistent water quality and adequate mineral content remain important for long-term health. Temperament: Peaceful. Green Moscow Guppies are well suited to appropriately planned community aquariums with non-aggressive species that thrive under similar water conditions. Diet: Omnivore. Offer a varied diet built around quality prepared foods and supplemented with appropriately sized live, frozen, and plant-based foods. Social Behavior: Social and active. Green Moscow Guppies interact frequently with other guppies but do not form the tightly coordinated schools characteristic of many tetras, rasboras, and danios. Males regularly display and court females. Activity Level: Active Aquarium Level: Upper to middle water column Minimum Aquarium Size: 10 gallons; larger aquariums provide greater water stability and additional swimming space for groups, community setups, and breeding populations. Lifespan: Approximately 2–3 years, although genetics, temperature, nutrition, reproductive demands, and overall husbandry influence individual lifespan. Aquatic Arts Tip Because our Green Moscow Guppies are Bred by Aquatic Arts, we are directly involved in the conditions under which the line is bred and raised. Once a fish reaches its new aquarium, long-term success depends on maintaining stable water chemistry, appropriate mineral content, good nutrition, and consistent aquarium maintenance. Recommended Water Parameters & Aquarium Requirements Water Parameters Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C) pH: 7.0–8.2 GH: 8–18 dGH KH: 4–12 dKH Ammonia: 0 ppm Nitrite: 0 ppm Nitrate: Ideally maintained below 20 ppm through appropriate stocking, feeding, filtration, and regular water changes Aquarium Requirements Minimum Aquarium Size: 10 gallons. Larger aquariums provide greater water stability and additional swimming space for groups, community setups, and growing populations of fry. Filtration: Use reliable biological and mechanical filtration appropriate for the aquarium's size and stocking level. Sponge filters are particularly useful in breeding and fry-rearing aquariums because they provide biological filtration without a strong intake that can endanger newborn fry. Water Flow: Low to moderate. Green Moscow Guppies are active swimmers but do not require strong current, particularly males carrying developed ornamental fins. Oxygenation: Maintain good gas exchange through appropriate filtration, surface movement, or supplemental aeration when necessary. Aquarium Maturity: Keep Green Moscow Guppies only in a fully cycled aquarium with established biological filtration. Guppies should never be used to cycle a new aquarium. Plants: Highly recommended. Live plants provide cover, natural grazing surfaces, visual barriers, and refuge for newborn fry while adding biological complexity to the aquarium. Lighting: Low to moderate lighting is sufficient for the fish themselves. Choose lighting intensity primarily according to the requirements of the live plants being maintained. Aquatic Arts Tip Our Bred by Aquatic Arts Green Moscow Guppies are raised in stable, mineral-rich freshwater. When moving them into a new aquarium, focus on providing suitable and consistent conditions rather than trying to duplicate an exact set of numbers. Repeatedly adjusting pH or hardness can create more stress than maintaining stable water that already falls within an appropriate range.