May 24

Sarah Robertson

Panda Guppy: The Queen of Freshwater Fish

Panda guppy is hardy colorful guppy fish that adds excitement and brilliance to the passive community aquarium. Unique color strains have been developed through selective breeding programs. The Panda Guppy is one of the most popular color morphs in the aquarium hobby. sporting a striking black and white coloration, these little fish are sure to make a big impact in your tank!

Panda Guppies are easy to care for and make a great addition to any peaceful community aquarium. They require an aquarium of at least 10 gallons in size. It is a very peaceful fish and should be housed with tankmates of similar temperament.

Though the Panda Guppy is a hardy fish tolerant of small changes in water parameters, care should be taken to keep water temperature, pH, and nutrient levels in check. The Panda Guppy makes an excellent fish for beginning hobbyists as it is a hardy and energetic fish that is easy to keep in the freshwater community aquarium.

Want to know how to better take care of your Panda guppy fish? Read on for more information!

Quick Facts about Panda Guppy

  • Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Origin: South America
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Lifespan: 2-3 years
  • Max Size: 1.5-2 inches6
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
  • Water Conditions: 72-78° F, KH 3-8, pH 6.5-7.5
  • Breeding: Livebearer

Panda Guppy Care

Panda Guppies are hardy colorful guppy fish that add excitement and brilliance to the passive community aquarium. Unique color strains have been developed through selective breeding programs.

These fish will readily adapt to many different aquarium setups. They appreciate having biofilm and algae available to graze on between feedings and providing lots of surface area in the form of plants and hardscape will give them ample grazing opportunities. Panda Guppies tend to be found in stagnant water or water that flows slowly. They are not equipped to swim against a strong current for long periods of time. A filter with a gentle current is preferred.

If the aquarium has enough cover, lots of babies may begin appearing. Over time, the population in the aquarium can explode. Periodic thinning of the aquarium population may be necessary to prevent Panda Guppies from becoming overcrowded.

Panda Guppies are easy to care for and make a great addition to any peaceful community aquarium. They require an aquarium of at least 10 gallons in size. It is a very peaceful fish and should be housed with tankmates of similar temperament. Though the Panda Guppy is a hardy fish tolerant of small changes in water parameters, care should be taken to keep water temperature, pH, and nutrient levels in check. The Panda Guppy makes an excellent fish for beginning hobbyists as it is a hardy and energetic fish that is easy to keep in the freshwater community aquarium.

Panda Guppy Size 

There is a size difference between genders, with females generally being larger. The largest female guppies can grow to 2.5", but most stay smaller than that.

Panda Guppy Lifespan

The average lifespan of a panda guppy is two to three years, with some living as long as four. Guppies in the wild live an average of two years. In captivity, guppies have an average lifespan of 2 to 3 years. However, with proper care, they can live up to 5 years.

Panda Guppy

Panda Guppy Appearance

Panda Guppies are easily recognizable by their black and white coloration like a panda. The eyes, fins, and tail of these white panda Guppy are black, while the front half is white. The fins of the males are often brightly colored and can be used to attract mates. Females tend to be larger than males and have duller colors. Their eyes look like panda bear eyes.

Panda guppies are available in different color morphs. The most popular color morphs include the Blue Panda Guppy, Red Panda Guppy, and Yellow Panda Guppy.

Red Panda Guppy 

The Red Panda Guppy is one of the most popular color morphs. As the name suggests, this guppy features a beautiful red color. The fins of the Red Panda Guppy are often brightly colored and can be used to attract mates.

Blue Panda Guppy 

The Blue Panda Guppy is another popular color morph. This guppy features a beautiful blue color. They appear to be almost fluorescent under the right lighting conditions. The fins of the Blue Panda Guppy are often brightly colored and can be used to attract mates.

Yellow Panda Guppy 

The Yellow Panda Guppy features a beautiful yellow color. They are not as common as the Red Panda Guppy or Blue Panda Guppy.

Black Ear Panda Guppy 

The Black Ear Panda Guppy is very rare. They are characterized by their black fins and black spots on their tails. Their ears are also black, hence the name.

Panda Guppies come in a variety of tail types. The most popular tail types include the Veil Tail, Delta Tail, Halfmoon Tail, and Round Tail.

Panda Guppy Behavior

Panda Guppies are peaceful fish that do well in community tanks. They are not aggressive and get along well with other fish. However, they may compete for food with smaller fish. In the wild, Panda Guppies live in small groups or shoals. In the home aquarium, they should be kept in groups of at least 6 fish.

They don't have any specific breeding behaviors. However, when they are ready to breed, the males will chase the females around and try to impress them with their colorful fins. When it comes to plants, Panda Guppies are not fussy and will do fine with most species.

Panda Guppy Food & Diet 

The Panda Guppy is an omnivore and, as such, needs both plant-based and meaty foods. A good quality flake food that contains algae, along with freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex worms, and brine shrimp will give guppies the right nutrients.

Panda Guppies are not fussy eaters and will accept most types of food. However, they should be given a varied diet for the best health. Good quality flake food or pellet should be the mainstay of their diet. supplement this with live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.

Panda Guppy Tank Mates 

Panda Guppies are peaceful fish that do well in community tanks. They are not aggressive and get along well with other fish. However, they may compete for food with smaller fish. In the wild, Panda Guppies live in small groups or shoals. In the home aquarium, they should be kept in groups of at least 6 fish.

Some good tank mates for Panda Guppies include:

  • Neon Tetras & Cardinal Tetra
  • Ghost shrimp
  • Cherry Shrimp
  • Platies
  • Molly Fish
  • Swordtails
  • Honey Gouramis
  • Cory Catfish
  • African Dwarf Frog
  • Harlequin Rasboras
  • Kuhli Loach
  • Bristlenose Pleco
  • Otocinclus Catfish
  • Nerite Snails

Panda Guppies are not aggressive and will do well with most fish. However, they may compete for food with smaller fish. It is best to keep them with fish that are similar in size. You should not put Panda Guppies with fish that are known to be aggressive or nippy. Some examples of these fish include:

  • betta splendens
  • Angelfish
  • American Cichlids
  • Endler’s Livebearers
Panda Guppy

Panda Guppy Tank Setup

Panda Guppies are not fussy and will do well in most aquariums. For setting up a Panda Guppy tank, you need to consider the following:

Aquarium size

A 10-gallon tank is sufficient for a small group of guppies. However, a 20-gallon tank is better if you want to keep a larger group.

Water parameters 

The Panda Guppy is a freshwater fish and does best in water with a pH of 7.0-8.0. The temperature should be kept between 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit.

Aquarium Decorations 

Panda Guppies are not fussy and will do well in most aquariums. However, they prefer a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding places. Driftwood, rocks, and caves can all be used to create hiding places. Live plants are also appreciated and help to oxygenate the water.

Some good plants for a Panda Guppy tank include:

  • Java Fern
  • Hornwort
  • Anubias

Substrate 

The Panda Guppy does not require a special substrate and will do well in most aquariums. Gravel, sand, or bare-bottom tanks are all fine.

Filtration 

Panda Guppies prefer clean water and a good filter is essential. A canister filter or hang-on-back filter will both work well. Be sure to choose a filter that is appropriate for the size of your aquarium.

Lighting

Panda Guppies do not require special lighting and will do well in most aquariums. However, if you are growing live plants, then you will need to provide a source of light.

Panda Guppy Breeding 

Panda Guppies are known to be one of the easiest freshwater fish to breed. They are also one of the most popular fish for beginners. If you are thinking about breeding guppies, be sure to do your research and set up the perfect aquarium for them.

Panda Guppies do not have any specific breeding behaviors. However, when they are ready to breed, the males will chase the females around and try to impress them with their colorful fins.

To set up a breeding tank, you will need a minimum tank size of 10 gallons. The water should be clean and well-filtered. Be sure to provide plenty of hiding places for the fry (baby fish). Java moss is a good option as it will also help to oxygenate the water.

Panda Guppies are live-bearers, which means that they give birth to live young. The fry is born fully formed and able to swim and feed on its own.

To induce breeding, it is best to keep a ratio of two males for every female. The female will give birth to anywhere from 20-80 fry at a time. After giving birth, the female should be removed from the breeding tank to prevent her from eating her young.

Panda Guppy

Panda Guppy Fry

Panda guppy fry is very small and is vulnerable to predation. It is best to keep them in a separate tank until they are large enough to fend for themselves. A five-gallon aquarium is sufficient for a small group of fry. Be sure to provide plenty of hiding places and a good filter.

Panda Guppies can be difficult to sex when they are young. The males and females look very similar. However, there are a few ways to tell them apart.

If an adult fish is left without the breeding box, it will likely eat its fry. The fry should be fed brine shrimp, micro food and pulverized flakes. This diet will ensure that the fry grows to be healthy and strong.

Panda Guppy Diseases

Panda Guppies are relatively hardy fish but they are susceptible to some diseases. Some of the most common diseases that affect Panda Guppies include:

Fin rot: 

Fin rot is a bacterial infection contracted by fish that attacks their fins. Common causes of fin rot include inadequate water quality and injuries. Affected fish usually present ragged or torn fins. If fin rot progresses without treatment, the fish will likely die. Although there are several medications that can treat fin rot, the best way to prevent it is by maintaining clean water and avoiding any injuries.

Ich: 

Ich is a parasitic disease that causes white spots to form on the fish. It is often fatal if left untreated.

Gill Flukes: 

Gill flukes are parasitic worms that attach themselves to the gills of the fish. They cause irritation and can eventually lead to suffocation.

Fungal Infections: 

Fungal infections are common in Panda Guppies. They can be caused by poor water quality or stress. Symptoms include white patches on the skin and fin rot.

Bacterial Infections: 

Bacterial infections are another common ailment in Panda Guppies. They can be caused by poor water quality or stress. Symptoms include fin rot, cloudy eyes, and lethargy.

If you think your fish may be sick, it is important to take them to a vet who specializes in fish. They will be able to diagnose the problem and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

To prevent disease, it is important to maintain a clean and well-filtered aquarium. Be sure to do regular water changes and monitor the water quality. It is also a good idea to quarantine new fish before adding them to your tank.

Columnaris: 

This illness is caused by bacteria, despite the fact that it appears to be a fungus. As a large white band, the colony of germs generally develops on the fish's mouth or midsection.

Because the illness gradually paralyzes the muscle, sick fish are unable to swim. They also lose their hunger. Bacteria are known to commonly infect female guppies, though both sexes are susceptible if left untreated, often wiping out an entire fish colony.

Velvet: 

Velvet is a parasite that affects the skin and gills of fish. It's often mistaken with ich, but there are several key distinctions. Velvet is notoriously difficult to spot and usually only attacks one side of the fish. The poor creature may also have difficulty breathing and thus will often attempt to hide. Velvet can be deadly if left untreated, but there are a variety of medications available to treat it. The best way to prevent velvet is to quarantine new fish before adding them to your tank.

Dropsy: 

Dropsy is an inflammatory disease that affects the liver or kidney and causes the abdomen to fill with fluid. This fluid build-up can become very severe, and often leads to death. The fish's body becomes swollen, discolored, and occasionally deformed. Its scales look like pine cones protruding from its body. If a fish's belly becomes bloated, this can make it difficult for the fish to swim. However, bloating can also be caused by an excess of fluid in the area around the colon. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including water pollution, genetic disease, or feeding habits. Dropsy may be induced by chronic high stress or overfeeding on blood worms.

Red Blood Paralysis: 

This is a disease that affects fish in brackish and saltwater aquariums, also known as red body illness. The reason for the illness is unknown, but it could be a viral or bacterial infection. The disease causes the fish to have reddened patches on its body, which may lead to paralysis. There is no known remedy for this illness.

Popped eye: 

Popped eye, as one may surmise from the name, is when a fish's eyeball(s) protrude out of the socket. There are several things that can trigger this problem such as injuries, tumors, or infections. If the cause is an infection, it is often accompanied by additional symptoms such as streaming eyes, ulcers, and wounds. Without understanding the root of the problem, it is extremely difficult to determine an effective course of treatment. Different treatments could potentially do more harm than good if you're not careful.

Panda Guppy

FAQ 

What Are Panda Guppies? 

Panda Guppies are a type of freshwater fish that is native to Southeast Asia. They are one of the most popular types of aquarium fish in the world. Their popularity is due to their beautiful coloration and their easy care requirements.

Do Panda Guppies Need a Saltwater Aquarium? 

No, Panda Guppies do not need a saltwater aquarium. They are freshwater fish. So long as the water is clean and well-filtered, they will be fine.

Can Panda Guppies Breed With Other Fish? 

Yes, Panda Guppies can breed with other fish. However, it is best to keep them with other guppy strains to avoid hybridization. Hybridization can lead to genetic defects.

Are Panda Guppies Easy to Care for? 

Yes, Panda Guppies are easy to care for. They are hardy fish and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. With little effort, you can keep them healthy and happy.

What Do Panda Guppies Eat? 

Panda guppies are omnivores. So, they will eat both plant and animal matter. In the wild, their diet consists of algae, small invertebrates, and zooplankton. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of foods, such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and flakes. Live food, frozen food, and flakes are all good options.

What is the Best Way to Sex Panda Guppies? 

The best way to sex Panda Guppies is to look at their fins. Males have longer and more colorful fins than females.

How Big Do Panda Guppies Get? 

Panda Guppies typically grow to be about 2 inches in length. Male panda guppies are typically smaller than female

How Long Do Panda Guppies Live? 

Panda Guppies typically live for 2-3 years. There are several factors that can influence their lifespans, such as water quality, diet, and stress levels. If they are kept with aggressive fish, their lifespan will be shorter.

What Is the Best Way to Feed Panda Guppies? 

Panda Guppies are not picky eaters. They will accept a variety of food, including live food, frozen food, and flakes. It is best to feed them several small meals per day instead of one large meal. This will help prevent overfeeding and keep the water clean.

Are Panda Guppies Aggressive? 

No, Panda Guppies are not aggressive. They are peaceful fish that get along well with other fish.

Do Panda Guppies Need a Filter? 

Panda Guppies do not need a filter, but it is beneficial to have one. A filter will help to keep the water clean and provide a place for beneficial bacteria to grow.

How to identify if a Panda Guppy is Ill? 

Look for the following symptoms to find a sick Panda Guppy:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Ragged fins
  • Rubbing against objects in the tank
  • Hiding
  • Redness or inflammation
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Bloated abdomen
  • White spots on skin or fins
  • Discoloration

If you find any of these symptoms in your Panda Guppy, it is important to take them to a vet who specializes in fish. They will be able to diagnose the problem and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

How to Prevent Disease in Panda Guppies? 

It is usually simpler to prevent illness in your fish than to treat it. Here are some pointers to assist you to maintain the health of your fish:

  • Before adding any new fish to your tank, always remember to quarantine them first.
  • Keep your water clean
  • Avoid injuries
  • Their diet should be filled with a variety of foods to ensure that your pet gets all the nutrients they need.
  • Remove the sick fish from the tank right away.
  • Overcrowding is not recommended.
  • Before purchasing any fish, examine them for parasites.
  • Add live plants to the tank.

What Is the Ideal Aquarium Setup for Panda Guppies? 

Panda Guppies are not demanding when it comes to their aquarium setup. A 10-gallon tank is sufficient for a small group of fish. Be sure to include plenty of hiding places and plants. An air stone is also recommended to provide oxygenation.

How Much Does a Panda Guppy Pair Cost? 

Panda Guppy pairs typically cost between $10 and $20.

Final Thoughts: 

Panda Guppies are beautiful and easy to care for freshwater fish. They are a popular choice for aquariums and make a great addition to any tank. They are peaceful fish that get along well with other fish. Panda Guppies typically grow to be about 2 inches in length and live for 2-3 years.

The minimum tank size for a small group of Panda guppy fish is 10 gallons. Be sure to include plenty of hiding places and plants. An air stone is also recommended to provide oxygenation. Feeding them several small meals per day is the best way to prevent overfeeding and keep the water clean. They will accept a variety of food, including live food, frozen food, and flakes.

Panda guppies are susceptible to common fish diseases. the most common being ich, velvet, and fin rot. If you notice any of these symptoms in your fish, it is important to consult a vet as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose the problem and provide treatment.

Panda Guppies are beautiful and easy to care for freshwater fish that make a great addition to any tank. With proper care, they will thrive and bring years of enjoyment!!

Sarah Robertson


I am a passionate blogger who also happens to be a fish keeping enthusiast. Writing about my hobby is something that I absolutely love to do, and it's no secret that my chosen topic is always centered around fish keeping.

Sarah Robertson

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Subscribe to our newsletter