Red Tuxedo Guppy
The Red Tuxedo Guppy is one of the most popular tuxedo strains, known for its vivid red body color contrasted with a deep black base. Hardy, adaptable, and visually stunning, it’s a favorite among hobbyists.
Appearance & Traits
Males: slender, with brighter red upper bodies and longer flowing fins.
Females: larger, more rounded, with softer red tones.
Distinct tuxedo pattern: deep black lower body resembling a suit.
Average size: males ~1.5 in, females ~2.5–3 in.
Lifespan: 2–3 years in good conditions.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Red Tuxedo Guppies thrive in planted tanks with open swimming space.
Tank size: 10–15 gallons for a small colony.
Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C).
pH: 6.8–7.8.
Filtration: sponge filter or gentle HOB filter to avoid stressing fry.
Plants: Java moss, Anubias, floating plants (provide shelter + breeding cover).
Diet & Feeding
A varied diet keeps colors vibrant:
Staples: guppy flakes, micro-pellets.
Protein: live/frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms.
Color boost: carotenoid-rich foods (krill, spirulina).
Feed 2–3 times daily in small amounts.
Behavior & Tank Mates
Peaceful, active swimmers.
Ideal companions: mollies, platies, neon tetras, corydoras, shrimps.
Avoid fin-nippers (barbs, some gouramis).
Schooling fish—keep in groups of 6+.
Breeding & Lifespan
Red Tuxedo Guppies are prolific livebearers.
Gestation: ~28 days.
Fry count: 20–40 per cycle.
Use breeder box or dense plants for fry survival.
Lifespan: 2–3 years; good diet extends lifespan.
Price & Availability
Price range: $13–$25 per pair.
Available from specialty breeders, online shops, and hobbyist forums.
Why Choose Red Tuxedo Guppies?
Bright, bold, and easy to care for, they are ideal for both beginners and seasoned aquarists.
Female Red Tuxedo Guppy
Female Red Tuxedo Guppies are an essential part of this vibrant strain, easily recognized by their larger body size and more subdued coloration compared to males. While males boast brighter crimson hues and longer fins, females typically display a softer red tone across the upper body with a distinctive tuxedo-black base.
Appearance & Traits
Size: 2.5–3 inches, making them larger than males (1.5–2 inches).
Color: lighter red or peach on the upper body, with black or dark fins.
Markings: females often show subtle tuxedo shading rather than sharp contrasts.
Gravid Spot: a dark triangular mark near the anal fin, especially visible during pregnancy.
Behavior & Role in Aquariums
Generally calmer and less aggressive than males.
School well with other guppies and peaceful fish.
Play a crucial role in balancing groups — aquarists often keep a ratio of 2–3 females per male to reduce stress.
Breeding & Lifespan
Livebearers: capable of giving birth every 28–30 days.
Fry Count: typically 20–40 per brood, depending on age and health.
Provide floating plants or a breeding box for fry survival.
Lifespan: 2–3 years with proper diet and stable water conditions.
Curious about how females differ across other tuxedo varieties? See our full Tuxedo Guppy Master Guide.