Best Guppy Strain For Beginners
Best Guppy Strain: Stunning Options for Every Level of Fishkeeper
Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) are famous for their vast variety of strains—each with its own combination of color, tail shape, and pattern. Whether you're new to the hobby or a dedicated breeder, choosing the “best” guppy strain depends on your goals: beauty, rarity, hardiness, or breeding potential.
Some strains are known for vibrant colors, others for elegant tails or eye-catching patterns. Here's a look at some of the most popular and desirable guppy strains in the hobby today.
Moscow Guppies
Moscow guppies are highly sought-after for their deep, solid-body colors. The most popular variant is the Moscow Blue, which features rich, velvet-like blue from nose to tail. There are also Moscow Greens, Blacks, and Purples—each one known for intense, uniform coloration and a metallic sheen.
These guppies are best kept in well-maintained tanks with good lighting to enhance their bold appearance.
Dumbo Ear Guppies
Also known as Big Ear Guppies, this strain is characterized by its oversized, flowing pectoral fins that resemble elephant ears. Dumbo Ear guppies come in a variety of colors and patterns, but the dramatic fin movement is what really sets them apart.
They’re peaceful, beginner-friendly, and stunning in planted aquariums with low flow.
Cobra Guppies
Cobra guppies are known for their wild snakeskin-like patterns across the body and tail. They often feature multi-colored scales with fine reticulation, paired with spots, lines, or mosaics.
This strain is very popular among breeders and often used to create new designer varieties due to its strong genetics and high fry output.
Albino Full Red Guppies
These guppies are true showstoppers. With their bright, solid-red bodies and eyes, Albino Full Reds are elegant and intense. They require more stable water conditions than average guppies and show best under natural or warm lighting.
They’re often kept as single-strain show fish due to their rarity and breeding difficulty.
Koi Guppies
Koi guppies mimic the vibrant orange, red, white, and black patterns of koi fish. Their short, rounded bodies and distinct markings make them ideal for nano tanks and artistic aquascapes.
They breed true more consistently than some other colorful strains, making them great for hobbyist-level breeding projects.
Japan Blue Guppies
Japan Blue guppies have a signature neon blue streak across their body that contrasts beautifully with clear or yellow tails. This strain is admired for its subtle elegance and is often used in breeding to introduce iridescent color to new lines.
Their vibrant sheen pops best under cool LED lighting and in lightly planted tanks.
Fancy Mosaic Guppies
Mosaic guppies are known for their intricate, lace-like tail patterns—often in red, orange, or blue. These tails look like stained glass when they fan out, especially in males. The Fancy Mosaic strain is perfect for hobbyists looking for both color and motion in their display tank.
They pair beautifully in a community tank and are easy to breed.
Final Thoughts
The best guppy strain really depends on your personal taste and goals. If you’re looking for bold color, go for Moscow or Full Red strains. If you want flowing fins and elegance, Dumbo Ear or Mosaic strains are perfect. For pattern lovers or breeders, Cobra and Japan Blue guppies offer endless possibilities.
Start with a strain that excites you and watch how quickly your tank becomes a living piece of art. With proper care, guppies reward you with color, movement, and even new generations of fry to raise or trade.
