1/2 Black Guppy

Description

Half Black Guppy (1/2 Black Guppy) (Poecilia reticulata)

Simple, elegant and timeless, the Half Black Guppy is one of the classic designer guppy strains. Featuring a striking dark rear body contrasted against a brightly coloured front half and flowing fins, this beautiful variety offers exceptional contrast, graceful movement and vibrant colour for any planted freshwater aquarium.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Poecilia reticulata
  • Common name: Half Black Guppy (1/2 Black Guppy)
  • Current size: Approximately 3.5 cm
  • Adult size: Approximately 4–6 cm
  • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Available as: Male or Female

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You appreciate classic fancy guppy bloodlines.
  • You enjoy bold colour contrast and elegant finnage.
  • You're creating a colourful planted community aquarium.
  • You're interested in breeding premium guppy strains.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
  • You don't want livebearers that may reproduce.
  • Your aquarium has excessive water movement.
  • You keep large predatory fish.

Why choose Half Black Guppies?

The Half Black Guppy is recognised worldwide for its distinctive colour pattern. The rear half of the body develops rich black pigmentation that contrasts beautifully with the brighter front half and colourful dorsal and caudal fins. This simple yet elegant combination has made it one of the most enduring strains in the fancy guppy hobby.

Depending on the bloodline, the front half and fins may display shades of blue, red, yellow, orange or metallic tones, giving each fish its own unique appearance while maintaining the signature Half Black pattern.

Mature males develop vibrant colours and flowing ornamental finnage, while females are slightly larger with softer markings, making them ideal for maintaining and selectively breeding this beautiful strain.

Benefits

  • Classic Half Black body pattern
  • Beautiful contrast between black and vibrant colours
  • Premium selectively bred guppy strain
  • Flowing ornamental fins
  • Hardy and beginner friendly
  • Excellent for planted aquariums and breeding projects

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 22–28Β°C
  • pH: 6.8–7.8
  • Diet: Quality micro pellets, flakes, algae-based foods, frozen foods and live foods
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with gentle water movement
  • Setup: Well-planted aquarium with floating plants and open swimming areas
  • If keeping both sexes, maintain approximately one male to two or three females.
  • Regular water changes and a varied, high-quality diet help maintain vibrant colours, deep black pigmentation and healthy finnage.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Corydoras pygmaeus
  • Honey Gouramis
  • Harlequin Rasboras
  • Otocinclus
  • Cherry Shrimp (with dense plant cover)
NTA Insight:
The Half Black gene has long been one of the foundation patterns in selective guppy breeding and remains highly respected by hobbyists worldwide. Against a dark substrate and lush green plants, the contrast between the deep black rear body and vibrant fins becomes even more striking. Quality nutrition and stable water conditions help maintain crisp pattern definition as the fish matures.

FAQ

Can I choose a male or female?

Yes. This listing allows you to select either a male or female, subject to current availability.

How big do Half Black Guppies grow?

Adults typically reach around 4–6 cm, with males displaying brighter colours, more elaborate finnage and stronger contrast.

Why are they called Half Black Guppies?

The name comes from the distinctive dark pigmentation covering approximately the rear half of the body, creating a bold contrast with the brighter front half and colourful fins.

Are they suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Half Black Guppies are hardy, peaceful and easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for aquarists of all experience levels.

Do they breed easily?

Yes. Like all guppies, they are livebearers and breed readily under suitable aquarium conditions. Dense plants or Java Moss provide excellent shelter for newborn fry and improve survival rates.

1/2 Black Guppy

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$10.00


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    Description

    Half Black Guppy (1/2 Black Guppy) (Poecilia reticulata)

    Simple, elegant and timeless, the Half Black Guppy is one of the classic designer guppy strains. Featuring a striking dark rear body contrasted against a brightly coloured front half and flowing fins, this beautiful variety offers exceptional contrast, graceful movement and vibrant colour for any planted freshwater aquarium.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Poecilia reticulata
    • Common name: Half Black Guppy (1/2 Black Guppy)
    • Current size: Approximately 3.5 cm
    • Adult size: Approximately 4–6 cm
    • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Available as: Male or Female

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You appreciate classic fancy guppy bloodlines.
    • You enjoy bold colour contrast and elegant finnage.
    • You're creating a colourful planted community aquarium.
    • You're interested in breeding premium guppy strains.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
    • You don't want livebearers that may reproduce.
    • Your aquarium has excessive water movement.
    • You keep large predatory fish.

    Why choose Half Black Guppies?

    The Half Black Guppy is recognised worldwide for its distinctive colour pattern. The rear half of the body develops rich black pigmentation that contrasts beautifully with the brighter front half and colourful dorsal and caudal fins. This simple yet elegant combination has made it one of the most enduring strains in the fancy guppy hobby.

    Depending on the bloodline, the front half and fins may display shades of blue, red, yellow, orange or metallic tones, giving each fish its own unique appearance while maintaining the signature Half Black pattern.

    Mature males develop vibrant colours and flowing ornamental finnage, while females are slightly larger with softer markings, making them ideal for maintaining and selectively breeding this beautiful strain.

    Benefits

    • Classic Half Black body pattern
    • Beautiful contrast between black and vibrant colours
    • Premium selectively bred guppy strain
    • Flowing ornamental fins
    • Hardy and beginner friendly
    • Excellent for planted aquariums and breeding projects

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 22–28Β°C
    • pH: 6.8–7.8
    • Diet: Quality micro pellets, flakes, algae-based foods, frozen foods and live foods
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with gentle water movement
    • Setup: Well-planted aquarium with floating plants and open swimming areas
    • If keeping both sexes, maintain approximately one male to two or three females.
    • Regular water changes and a varied, high-quality diet help maintain vibrant colours, deep black pigmentation and healthy finnage.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Corydoras pygmaeus
    • Honey Gouramis
    • Harlequin Rasboras
    • Otocinclus
    • Cherry Shrimp (with dense plant cover)
    NTA Insight:
    The Half Black gene has long been one of the foundation patterns in selective guppy breeding and remains highly respected by hobbyists worldwide. Against a dark substrate and lush green plants, the contrast between the deep black rear body and vibrant fins becomes even more striking. Quality nutrition and stable water conditions help maintain crisp pattern definition as the fish matures.

    FAQ

    Can I choose a male or female?

    Yes. This listing allows you to select either a male or female, subject to current availability.

    How big do Half Black Guppies grow?

    Adults typically reach around 4–6 cm, with males displaying brighter colours, more elaborate finnage and stronger contrast.

    Why are they called Half Black Guppies?

    The name comes from the distinctive dark pigmentation covering approximately the rear half of the body, creating a bold contrast with the brighter front half and colourful fins.

    Are they suitable for beginners?

    Absolutely. Half Black Guppies are hardy, peaceful and easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for aquarists of all experience levels.

    Do they breed easily?

    Yes. Like all guppies, they are livebearers and breed readily under suitable aquarium conditions. Dense plants or Java Moss provide excellent shelter for newborn fry and improve survival rates.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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