Platinum Blue Dragon Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) - Tank Bred
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For the safety of our animals, we ship live fish exclusively via UPS 1 Day Service. If your order contains this item, UPS 1 Day Service will be the only shipping option available during checkout.
Overview
The Platinum Blue Dragon Guppy is a stunning selectively bred guppy variety that combines brilliant metallic platinum coloration with intricate blue dragon-scale patterning. Under aquarium lighting, males display a shimmering silver-white body accented by vibrant blue markings that seem to glow as they move through the water. Their active personality, peaceful nature, and exceptional coloration make them a favorite for planted aquariums and community fish collections alike.
Because they are tank bred and well adapted to aquarium life, Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies are an excellent choice for aquarists of all experience levels. Whether displayed in a heavily planted aquascape or a lively community aquarium, they provide constant movement, color, and personality.
What We Love About This Fish
• Brilliant metallic platinum coloration
• Intricate blue dragon-scale patterning
• Active and peaceful community fish
• Excellent choice for planted aquariums
Quick Care Guide
• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful community fish ideal for planted aquariums
• Diet: Omnivore that readily accepts prepared, frozen, and live foods
• Origin: Tank Bred
• Average Adult Size: 1.5–2 inches (3.8–5 cm)
• Average Purchase Size: 0.75–1.25 inches (1.9–3.2 cm)
• Tank Level: Upper to middle water column
• Activity Level: Active throughout the day
• Group Size: Best maintained as pairs, trios, or larger groups
• Shrimp Compatibility: Generally safe with adult shrimp; may consume shrimplets
Live Arrival Guarantee
We stand behind the health and quality of every fish we ship. Each Platinum Blue Dragon Guppy is carefully quarantined, observed, and conditioned before leaving our facility to ensure it arrives healthy and ready to thrive in its new home.
Every order is backed by our 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. In the unlikely event that an issue occurs during transit, simply contact us with photos and order information, and our team will work quickly to make it right.
In addition to our Live Arrival Guarantee, every purchase includes access to our experienced support team. Whether you have questions about feeding, compatibility, breeding, water parameters, or aquarium setup, we are here to help you succeed.
Aquascaping
Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies truly shine in planted aquariums where their metallic coloration contrasts against vibrant green plants and natural hardscape. We especially enjoy keeping them in aquariums that combine open swimming areas with dense vegetation, allowing them to display naturally while providing shelter for fry and other community inhabitants.
Plants such as Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri), Guppy Grass (Najas guadalupensis), and Water Sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides) create valuable cover while helping maintain a healthy aquarium ecosystem. Floating plants like Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) and Red Root Floater (Phyllanthus fluitans) diffuse lighting and create a more natural environment that encourages active behavior.
Natural hardscape elements such as Malaysian Driftwood, Spiderwood, and river stone complement the fish's coloration while providing structure and visual interest. We also enjoy incorporating Aquatic Arts Indian Almond Leaves, Guava Leaves, and Alder Cones to create a more natural setting that supports biofilm development and habitat enrichment.
For aquarists looking to create a vibrant planted community aquarium, Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies fit beautifully into layouts that combine live plants, natural wood, floating vegetation, shrimp-safe botanicals, and gentle water movement.
Aquascaping
Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies truly shine in planted aquariums where their metallic coloration contrasts against vibrant green plants and natural hardscape. We especially enjoy keeping them in aquariums that combine open swimming areas with dense vegetation, allowing them to display naturally while providing shelter for fry and other community inhabitants.
Plants such as Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri), Guppy Grass (Najas guadalupensis), and Water Sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides) create valuable cover while helping maintain a healthy aquarium ecosystem. Floating plants like Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) and Red Root Floater (Phyllanthus fluitans) diffuse lighting and create a more natural environment that encourages active behavior.
Natural hardscape elements such as Malaysian Driftwood, Spiderwood, and river stone complement the fish's coloration while providing structure and visual interest. We also enjoy incorporating Aquatic Arts Indian Almond Leaves, Guava Leaves, and Alder Cones to create a more natural setting that supports biofilm development and habitat enrichment.
For aquarists looking to create a vibrant planted community aquarium, Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies fit beautifully into layouts that combine live plants, natural wood, floating vegetation, shrimp-safe botanicals, and gentle water movement.
Diet and Feeding
Like many livebearers, Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies are opportunistic omnivores that naturally consume small aquatic insects, zooplankton, algae, biofilm, and plant matter. In the aquarium, they thrive when offered a varied diet that combines quality prepared foods with occasional live or frozen offerings.
A quality staple food forms the foundation of their diet, while supplemental foods such as Live Moina (Moina macrocopa), Live Daphnia (Daphnia spp.), and Baby Brine Shrimp (Artemia nauplii*) help maintain vibrant coloration, strong breeding condition, and overall health. These foods also encourage natural feeding responses and activity levels.
In mature planted aquariums, Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies will often spend part of their day grazing on biofilm and naturally occurring microorganisms that develop on plants, driftwood, and botanicals. This constant foraging behavior contributes to their active personality and makes them a fascinating fish to observe.
Tank Mates and Compatibility
One of the reasons Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies remain so popular is their peaceful temperament. They coexist well with a wide variety of small community fish, shrimp, snails, and bottom dwellers, making them an excellent centerpiece for planted community aquariums.
We particularly enjoy pairing them with peaceful schooling species such as Ember Tetras (Hyphessobrycon amandae), Chili Rasboras (Boraras brigittae), Kubotai Rasboras (Microdevario kubotai), and White Cloud Mountain Minnows (Tanichthys albonubes). These species share similar care requirements while adding activity and movement throughout the aquarium.
Along the bottom of the aquarium, Corydoras Catfish (Corydoras spp.), Otocinclus (Otocinclus spp.), and Kuhli Loaches (Pangio kuhlii) occupy different ecological niches, helping create a balanced and visually interesting community.
Adult Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi), Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata), Zebra Nerite Snails (Neritina natalensis), and Mystery Snails (Pomacea diffusa) also make excellent companions. Their algae-grazing and scavenging behavior complements the aquarium ecosystem without competing directly with the guppies.
We recommend avoiding aggressive or fin-nipping species such as Tiger Barbs (Puntigrus tetrazona) as well as larger predatory fish that may harass or consume guppies.
Ecosystem Match
Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies are ideal for planted community aquariums featuring peaceful schooling fish, dwarf shrimp, algae-eating invertebrates, floating plants, natural driftwood, and botanical enrichment.
Shrimp Safe
Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies are considered one of the more shrimp-compatible community fish available. Their peaceful temperament allows them to coexist successfully with many freshwater shrimp species, particularly in heavily planted aquariums.
Adult Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi), Blue Dream Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi), Yellow Golden Back Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi), and Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata) are generally ignored. Larger filter-feeding species such as Bamboo Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) and Vampire Shrimp (Atya gabonensis) occupy entirely different ecological niches and also make excellent companions.
As with many small omnivorous fish, newly hatched shrimp fry may occasionally be consumed if sufficient cover is not available. Dense growths of Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri), Guppy Grass (Najas guadalupensis), floating plants, and botanical leaf litter can dramatically improve shrimplet survival rates.
Shrimp Compatibility Rating
Adult Shrimp: Excellent Compatibility
Juvenile Shrimp: Good Compatibility with adequate cover
Newly Hatched Shrimplets: Moderate Risk
Breeding
Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies are livebearers and among the easiest freshwater fish to breed, making them a rewarding species for hobbyists interested in raising fry or developing breeding projects.
Healthy females typically give birth every 28 to 35 days and produce fully formed, free-swimming fry. Unlike egg-laying species, the fry are born ready to forage and can immediately begin feeding on microorganisms, biofilm, and appropriately sized foods.
Aquariums containing dense cover greatly improve fry survival rates. We often recommend Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri), Guppy Grass (Najas guadalupensis), Water Sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides), and floating plants such as Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) because they provide excellent refuge areas where young fish can safely grow.
For hobbyists interested in maintaining this strain, selective breeding can help preserve the metallic platinum coloration, vibrant blue dragon patterning, and overall finnage quality that make this variety so desirable.
Breeding Difficulty
Easy
Reproduction Type
Livebearer
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies good for beginners?
Yes. Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies are hardy, adaptable, and easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for beginning aquarists. Their peaceful nature and willingness to accept a variety of foods make them one of the easiest fancy guppy varieties to maintain.
What makes Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies different from other guppies?
This variety combines brilliant metallic platinum coloration with intricate blue dragon-scale patterning. The result is a fish that appears to shimmer under aquarium lighting and stands out even among other fancy guppy strains.
Are Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies tank bred?
Yes. Our Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies are tank bred and fully adapted to aquarium life, making them hardy, resilient, and well suited for community aquariums.
How large do Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies get?
Adult Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies typically reach 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm) in length.
What size aquarium do Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies need?
A 10-gallon aquarium is suitable for a small group, although a 20-gallon or larger aquarium provides additional swimming space and greater stability.
What water parameters are best for Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies?
They thrive in temperatures between 72° and 82°F (22–28°C), a pH range of approximately 6.8–8.0, and moderate hardness. Stable water conditions are generally more important than chasing exact numbers.
How often should I feed Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies?
Feed small portions one to two times daily. A varied diet consisting of quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods, and live foods helps maintain coloration and overall health.
What foods help improve the coloration of Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies?
Live Moina (Moina macrocopa), Live Daphnia (Daphnia spp.), Baby Brine Shrimp (Artemia nauplii*), and quality prepared foods can help support vibrant coloration, breeding condition, and overall health.
Can Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies live with Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)?
Yes. Adult Red Cherry Shrimp are generally safe with Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies. Very small shrimplets may occasionally be consumed if adequate cover is not available.
Are Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies compatible with Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)?
Absolutely. Amano Shrimp are among our favorite tank mates for guppies because they occupy a different ecological niche and help control algae growth.
Can Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies be kept with Corydoras Catfish (Corydoras spp.)?
Yes. Corydoras and guppies make an excellent combination because they utilize different areas of the aquarium and share similar care requirements.
Do Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies get along with Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi)?
Yes. Neon Tetras are peaceful schooling fish that complement guppy aquariums very well.
Will Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies eat baby shrimp?
Like many small omnivorous fish, they may opportunistically consume newly hatched shrimp fry. Dense cover from mosses and floating plants can significantly improve survival rates.
What plants work best with Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies?
Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri), Guppy Grass (Najas guadalupensis), Water Sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides), Anubias (Anubias spp.), Cryptocoryne (Cryptocoryne spp.), and Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) are all excellent choices.
Do Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies need floating plants?
Floating plants are not required, but they provide shade, cover, and a more natural environment while helping fry survive.
Can Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies live in a planted aquarium?
Yes. Planted aquariums are often the ideal environment for this variety because they provide cover, improve water quality, and highlight the fish's metallic coloration.
How often do Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies have babies?
Healthy females typically give birth every 28 to 35 days under favorable conditions.
How many fry can a Platinum Blue Dragon Guppy produce?
Most mature females produce between 10 and 50 fry per brood, although larger females may produce more.
How can I improve guppy fry survival rates?
Dense vegetation, floating plants, mosses, and botanical cover provide refuge areas where fry can grow safely and forage naturally.
Do Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies crossbreed with other guppy varieties?
Yes. Like other Poecilia reticulata varieties, they readily breed with other guppies and may produce offspring displaying a mix of traits from both parents.
Are Platinum Blue Dragon Guppies suitable for a peaceful community aquarium?
Absolutely. Their peaceful temperament, manageable size, and striking appearance make them one of the best choices for planted community aquariums.
For the safety of our animals, we only ship live fish, crabs, and select other inverts exclusively via UPS 1 Day Air. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS 1 Day Air as a shipping option during checkout. If other items are in your cart that can ship with 2 day or standard shipping options the only shipping method you can still select is UPS 1 Day Air.
UPS 1 Day is a description of the duration of time a shipment will spend in transit once it has been shipped. This does not guarantee the package will be shipped the same or next day from which the order was placed.
Shipping Schedule for this service
Current Handling Time:
1-9 business days
Here at Aquatic Arts, we consider the welfare of the live animals we are shipping to be of the foremost importance. This process is much more involved than simply creating a shipping label and affixing it to a box. Depending on the order, it takes from 4 to 7 people to complete this process properly. We check the weather conditions here where they fly out of the Indianapolis UPS facility and the destination for each shipment. We start early each morning and go through a multi-step process to have the day's shipments prepared in time for the UPS pickup. The volume of orders in our system also affects the processing time. Therefore our stated handling time is 1-9 business days.
Shipping Rate
Pricing is by size of package needed to fill entire order and distance it must travel. It will be calculated at checkout.