Description
Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata (Metal Black variety) Common Names: Metal Black Lace Guppy, Metal Snakeskin Black Guppy, Black Cobra Guppy (sometimes confused, but “Metal” implies a specific iridescence). Origin: Selectively bred in captivity (originally developed by breeders in Europe and Asia).
Physical Characteristics This fish is a masterpiece of genetic breeding, combining the “Metal” gene with the “Black” color.
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The “Metal” Head: The anterior (front) part of the male’s body features a highly iridescent, metallic sheen. This area usually displays a snakeskin or cobra-like pattern that reflects light in shades of silver, platinum, or metallic teal.
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The Black Fins: In sharp contrast to the shiny head, the dorsal fin (top) and the large delta tail are usually a solid, deep black. Some variations may have subtle spotting in the tail, but the “Solid Black” tail is the most prized.
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Size: Males are sleek and small, growing to 1.5 inches (3.5 cm), while females are larger (2+ inches) and usually possess a grey body with black or patterned tails, lacking the intense metallic body of the male.
Behavior and Temperament
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Active Swimmers: Like all guppies, they are high-energy fish that constantly patrol the tank. The males will frequently display their metallic colors to females by “dancing” or quivering.
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Peaceful: They are completely non-aggressive. However, their long, flowing tails can make them targets for fin-nipping fish (like Tiger Barbs), so they should be kept with peaceful tank mates.
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Hardiness: They are generally hardy, but highly inbred strains like the Metal Black can sometimes be sensitive to sudden water changes.
Care and Habitat
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Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is best.
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Water Conditions: They thrive in harder water rich in minerals (calcium and magnesium) with a pH between 7.0 and 8.0.
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Diet: They are omnivores. To keep the “metal” pattern shiny and the black deep, feed a varied diet of high-quality color flakes, micro pellets, and frozen bloodworms.
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Breeding: They breed easily. If you want to maintain the specific “Metal Black” look, you must separate them from other guppy strains to prevent cross-breeding.
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