Species Overview

The Half Black Rose Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a striking fancy guppy variety featuring dramatic contrast between its dark posterior body and brilliantly colored finnage. Mature males develop deep blue-to-black coloration across the rear portion of the body, complemented by a large orange-red tail and matching dorsal fin that create an especially bold appearance in planted aquariums.

These active, peaceful livebearers combine show-quality coloration with the approachable care and engaging personality that make guppies such popular aquarium fish. Aquatic Arts offers males, females, and pairs, allowing hobbyists to choose a colorful display male, add females to an existing group, or begin with a male and female pair for those interested in maintaining and breeding the strain.

Every Half Black Rose Guppy offered in this listing is Bred by Aquatic Arts™ through our own breeding program. Our fish are raised and conditioned in aquarium environments from the beginning, giving customers the opportunity to enjoy a distinctive guppy strain produced right here at Aquatic Arts.

What We Love About This Fish

• Dramatic half-black body coloration creates strong contrast against the brilliant orange-red finnage of mature males.

• Large, colorful tail and dorsal fins make males particularly impressive display fish.

• Bred by Aquatic Arts™ through our own captive breeding program.

• Male, female, and pair selections give hobbyists options for display aquariums, established groups, or breeding projects.

• Active and approachable livebearer that brings constant color and movement to planted and peaceful community aquariums.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata

Common Name: Half Black Rose Guppy

Source: Bred by Aquatic Arts™

Available Selections: Male, Female, or Pair (1 Male + 1 Female)

Average Purchase Size: Approximately 1–1.5 Inches (2.5–3.8 cm), with individual size varying by age and sex.

Average Adult Size: Approximately 1.5–2.5 Inches (3.8–6.4 cm). Females typically grow larger and fuller-bodied, while males remain smaller with more elaborate coloration and finnage.

Care Level: Easy. Half Black Rose Guppies are adaptable livebearers that thrive in established aquariums with stable water quality and adequate mineral content.

Temperament: Peaceful and Active. Half Black Rose Guppies generally coexist well with other peaceful community fish that share similar water requirements.

Diet: Omnivore. A varied diet of quality prepared, frozen, live, and plant-based foods supports coloration, growth, and reproductive health.

Social Behavior: Social. Half Black Rose Guppies can be maintained in groups, but males and females kept together should be expected to breed regularly.

Activity Level: Active. These guppies spend much of the day swimming, feeding, displaying, and interacting throughout the aquarium.

Aquarium Level: Upper to Midwater. Half Black Rose Guppies primarily occupy the upper half of the aquarium but regularly explore all levels.

Minimum Aquarium Size: 10 Gallons. Larger aquariums are recommended for breeding groups or growing populations because guppies can reproduce quickly.

Lifespan: Approximately 2–3 Years with proper care.

Lid Requirement: Secure Lid Recommended. Guppies can jump, particularly when startled or exploring near the surface.

Aquatic Arts Tip

If purchasing a pair, plan for fry before they arrive. Half Black Rose Guppies are livebearers and can reproduce readily, so live plants, additional aquarium space, and a plan for growing juveniles will make maintaining a breeding group much easier.

Recommended Water Parameters & Aquarium Requirements

Half Black Rose Guppies thrive in clean, stable, moderately hard to hard freshwater. Adequate mineral content is especially important for long-term health, growth, and successful reproduction.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C). This range supports healthy activity, digestion, and breeding without keeping the fish unnecessarily warm.

pH: 7.2–8.0. Neutral to moderately alkaline water is ideal for Half Black Rose Guppies.

General Hardness (GH): 7–15 dGH. Moderate mineral content provides calcium, magnesium, and other dissolved minerals important to livebearer health.

Carbonate Hardness (KH): 4–10 dKH. Adequate buffering helps maintain stable aquarium chemistry and prevents sudden pH swings.

Ammonia: 0 ppm

Nitrite: 0 ppm

Nitrate: Below 20 ppm preferred.

Aquarium Requirements

Minimum Aquarium Size: 10 Gallons. Larger aquariums provide greater stability and additional room for breeding groups and growing fry.

Filtration: Moderate. Reliable biological filtration helps maintain water quality as active guppies and growing populations increase the aquarium's bioload.

Water Flow: Low to Moderate. Gentle circulation provides oxygenation without forcing long-finned males to constantly fight strong current.

Oxygenation: Moderate. Good surface movement supports healthy oxygen levels and biological filtration.

Aquarium Maturity: Fully cycled and established. Stable biological filtration is important before introducing Half Black Rose Guppies.

Aquatic Plants: Highly Recommended. Live plants provide security, break up sight lines, and give newborn fry valuable places to hide.

Lighting: Low to Moderate. Standard aquarium lighting works well and can be adjusted around the needs of the plants being grown.

Aquatic Arts Tip

Guppies benefit from mineral-rich, stable water, so don't focus on pH alone. Check your GH and KH as well, especially if you use very soft tap water or RO water. Stable mineral content supports healthy Half Black Rose Guppies and is particularly important when maintaining breeding females and growing fry.