Micropoecilia picta - The Painted Guppy

By Clint Norwood
 
Species/genus: Micropoecilia picta
 
Also known as: The Painted Guppy, The Swamp Guppy
 
Origin: Brazil, Trinidad
 
Temp:  68 - 81°F (20 - 27°C)
 
Temperament: Usually peaceful, the males are aggressive breeders and sometimes harass the females
 
Adult Size: 1½ inches (4cm)
 
Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons
 
Feeding: Most aquarium foods accepted
 
Breeding: Livebearer, reproduces in the same manner as Guppies, but not very prolific.
 
Comments: Micropoecilia picta looks a lot like a Guppy, and it is clearly closely related, but it is a distinct species. A mating between Guppies and Micropoecilia picta will not produce fry. This fish is rare in the aquarium hobby. Picta are found in slightly brackish conditions in the wild, but I have found that they do better without added salt in their water.