A Guide to Blue Koi Guppy Care, Breeding, and Buying

Introduction to Blue Koi Guppy

The blue koi guppy is one of the most popular and sought-after guppy breeds among aquarium enthusiasts. Often referred to as the "crown jewel" of fancy guppies, the blue koi stands out with its vibrant, metallic colors and distinct pattern resembling a koi fish.

First developed in Japan, blue koi guppies have a light-blue body with blotches of orange, black, white, and yellow scattered throughout. The iconic patches give them a resemblance to expensive koi fish. Their unique coloration and pattern are a genetic mutation resulting from selective breeding.

Origin and History

Guppies have been kept as ornamental aquarium fish for over 100 years, but the first blue koi guppies emerged in Japan in the early 21st century. Japanese breeders selectively mated guppies exhibiting the distinct color pattern over several generations until the strain bred true.

From Japan, breeder pairs of blue koi guppies were exported overseas, with Germany and Singapore pioneers in establishing and improving new lineages. The first blue koi guppies arrived in the United States in around 2012 and quickly became coveted around the world.

Genetics and Color Varieties

The distinctive color pattern and metallic sheen of blue koi guppies are genetic traits. By crossing blue koi guppies expressing different desired traits, breeders have developed many unique color varieties.

In addition to the original blue koi coloration, there now exist purple, red, yellow, green, silver, gold, and albino varieties. New color strains continue to emerge, with the permutations nearly endless.

Purchasing Blue Koi Guppies

Due to their popularity, blue koi guppies are now readily available from specialty aquarium stores and online retailers. However, quality and prices can vary tremendously.

Where to Buy Blue Koi Guppies

Blue koi guppies can be purchased from local fish stores or ordered online and shipped directly to you. Buying locally allows you to pick your fish in person, avoiding potential stress or health issues from shipping. Online shopping increases your options for rare or high-quality stock.

When buying locally or online, look for reputable, experienced retailers that focus on guppies. Avoid big chain pet stores, as their stock is often lower quality.

How Much Do Blue Koi Guppies Cost?

Common blue koi guppies cost $5-20 per fish, while show quality fish with exceptional color and form can cost anywhere from $30-100+ each. Rare color varieties tend to command the highest prices.

Males are generally more expensive than females since they exhibit the most vibrant colors. Proven breeding pairs are also prized.

When buying, pay close attention to color intensity, pattern, body shape and finnage quality. The highest quality blue koi guppies make a breathtaking addition to planted aquariums.

Caring for Blue Koi Guppies

Caring for blue koi guppies requires adherence to a few basic guidelines regarding tank conditions, feeding, tank mates, and health monitoring to keep them thriving.

Blue Koi Guppy Tank Requirements

Blue koi guppies do best in established planted tanks of 10 gallons or more. Smaller nano tanks are also suitable provided water quality is pristine.

Ideal water parameters are moderately hard and alkaline: pH 7.0-8.0, 8-25 dGH. Blue koi guppies thrive at temperatures of 72-82°F.

Feeding Blue Koi Guppies

Blue koi guppies accept most prepared tropical flake, pellet and freeze dried foods. Offer a varied, protein-rich diet consisting of flakes, bloodworms and brine shrimp. To bring out maximum coloration, add spirulina-enriched foods.

Feed newly acquired blue koi guppies sparingly 2-3 times daily. Established fish can be fed to satiation 2 times a day, with fast 1 day per week to support long-term health.

Blue Koi Guppy Tank Mates

Male blue koi guppies may harass females excessively during mating attempts. A ratio of 1 male to 2-3 females helps disperse male attention.

Other suitable tank mates include small tetras, rasboras, corydoras catfish, dwarf cichlids and livebearing fish. Avoid fin nippers like tiger barbs and large aggressive fish that may eat them.

Health Concerns

Selectively bred blue koi guppies are susceptible to bacterial and parasitic infections. Quarantine new arrivals for 2-4 weeks and treat preventatively before adding to the main tank.

Signs of sickness include loss of color, frayed fins, bloating and abnormal swimming. Maintaining excellent water quality helps prevent disease outbreaks.

Breeding Blue Koi Guppies

Blue koi guppies are prolific livebearers, readily breeding under optimal tank conditions. Fry growth and color development rely on high quality foods.

Mating Habits

Males court females by displaying flashy colors and performing an elaborate dance. After mating by the male gonopodium organ, females store sperm to fertilize multiple broods.

Females give birth to 2-200+ fry around every 4-6 weeks. Young reach sexual maturity in as little as 8-10 weeks, perpetuating breeding cycles.

Raising Fry

To protect fry from being eaten, either remove the female to a separate "birthing tank" before she gives birth, or isolate the babies in a floating breeding trap as they are born.

Feed newly born fry finely powdered flake foods, baby brine shrimp nauplii or commercial fry powder 6-8 times daily to fuel rapid growth. Juveniles resemble miniaturized adults by 6-8 weeks old.

Conclusion

With their dazzling metallic sheen, vibrant colors and distinctive pattern, blue koi guppies rank as one of the most prized strains of fancy guppies. Their unique beauty, endless variety and prolific breeding make them a top choice for aquarists.

When shopping for blue koi guppies, care is essential in selecting high quality, healthy fish from reputable sources. Provide excellent care including proper tank conditions and diet, and these “crown jewel” fish will reward you with endless entertainment.

FAQs

What do blue koi guppies eat?

Blue koi guppies accept most prepared tropical fish foods like flakes, pellets, bloodworms and brine shrimp. Feed them a high quality, varied diet rich in protein 2 times per day.

What water conditions do blue koi guppies need?

Blue koi guppies thrive in slightly hard, alkaline water with a pH of 7.0-8.0, hardness between 8-25 dGH and temperatures ranging from 72-82°F.

How often do blue koi guppies breed?

Blue koi guppy females produce broods once every 4-6 weeks and can store sperm to continue breeding for months. They can give birth to 2-200+ fry per brood.

Are blue koi guppies good community fish?

Yes, blue koi guppies work well in peaceful community tanks alongside other small, non-aggressive fish species like tetras and livebearers.

What tank size do blue koi guppies need?

Blue koi guppies require at least a 10 gallon aquarium; a standard 20 gallon tank with live plants makes an excellent display to showcase their colors.