Superwash treated DK weight yarn with 75% merino wool for softness and warmth and 25% nylon for enhanced durability. It is suitable for approximately 4-5mm needles. About 225 metres per 100g skein. This yarn is presented as a skein. If you would like it caked then this paid-for service adds 24h to the dispatch time.
About the Fish
Guppies originate from the tropical freshwater streams and pools of South America, but the Moscow lineage was created by a selective breeding program developed by Russian aquarists in the mid-to-late 20th century. It is notable for its full body colouration, usually extending from head to tail, an uncommon trait compared to typical guppies, which often display patterned tails and comparatively translucent bodies. The strain’s genetic complexity means breeders must work to maintain or enhance pigmentation, iridophores, and overall health by managing genetic diversity and selecting ideal breeding stock.
The violet or purple tone is not a straightforward pigment but a product of microscopic guanine crystal layers in the fish’s skin that refract light. Breeders likely achieved the purple variation by crossing blue Moscow and black Moscow guppies, carefully stabilising the mutation to express a consistent purple sheen across generations. The texture of the scales adds another layer of optical intrigue. Under strong light, each scale can appear like a prism, scattering iridescent reflections that make the fish seem almost luminous. When viewed from above, the colouration deepens into navy and indigo; from the side, it gleams with silver and violet reflections. This makes them especially photogenic in aquariums equipped with LED lighting or sunlight exposure, where their hues become richly dimensional.
As with all ornamental fish, responsible breeding and trade are crucial. The Moscow lines are entirely domesticated, unable to compete or survive efficiently in wild habitats. Releasing them into natural waters poses ecological risks, including disease transmission and genetic contamination of native Poecilia species. Sustainable aquarium practices including buying from trusted breeders, maintaining closed breeding cycles, and adhering to humane care standards, help preserve both biodiversity and ethical aquarism. Guppies, including the Moscow line, can also serve as educational species for studying genetics, evolution, and reproductive behavior. Their colour morphs demonstrate principles of inheritance observable even to amateur aquarists.