Picta swamp guppy

Poecilia picta

An orange-red male with a caudal spot, not a guppy strain.

Red Surinam phenotype males have an upper basal caudal spot and small dorsal. Females are plainer; Trinidad stock looks different.

Natural habitat: Inhabits mildly brackish canals and drainage ditches beside swamps, also extending inland.

Do not assume ordinary guppy care. Multigeneration breeding is difficult. Keep at 26–28°C and pH 7.2–8.5, with mild brackish conditions favoured.

Appearance and identification

The orange-red body and caudal spot contrast with the blue between dark lateral stripes of melanzona parae. Both vary.

Keep at least two females per male to spread pursuit.

Feed small flakes and small frozen foods. Offer variety rather than relying on grazing.

Species-only keeping is favoured. Check actual salinity and companion needs.

Check plant salt tolerance if the stock requires brackish conditions.

Sources