The Dragon Tuxedo Guppy, a family of Poecilia reticulata, is a stunning and popular variety of guppy fish known for its vibrant colors and distinctive patterns. The Dragon Tuxedo Guppy typically features a combination of vibrant red, orange, and sometimes blue or green colors. The “dragon” aspect refers to the iridescent, metallic scales that resemble a dragon’s skin. The “tuxedo” pattern means these guppies often have a stark contrast between the front and back half of their bodies.
They have large, flowing fins that can come in a variety of shapes, including fan, delta, and veil tails. The fins are often brightly colored and patterned. The Males are typically smaller, around 1.5 to 2 inches in length.
Dragon Tuxedo Guppies are peaceful and social fish, making them suitable for community tanks. They are active swimmers and enjoy exploring their environment.
The Dragon Tuxedo Guppy price is between $5 to $8. The price varies various on factors like the size of the fish, quality, and Coloration.
Overview
Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
Common Name: Dragon Tuxedo Guppy
Family: Poeciliidae
Origin: Selectively bred from wild guppies native to South America
Lifespan: 2-3 years
Adult Size: Males: up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm), Females: up to 2.5 inches (6.3 cm)
Temperament: Peaceful and social
Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly
Tank Requirements
Dragon Tuxedo Guppies are hardy fish that thrive in well-maintained aquariums with stable conditions.
Tank Size: Minimum of 10 gallons for a small group (5-6 guppies). A larger tank is ideal for better stability and aesthetics.
Water Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH Level: 6.8-7.8
Water Hardness: 8-12 dGH
Filtration: A sponge filter or gentle hang-on-back filter helps maintain water quality without excessive currents.
Substrate & Decorations: Fine gravel or sand with live plants such as Java Moss, Anubias, and Amazon Sword provide hiding spots and improve oxygen levels.
Diet & Feeding
Dragon Tuxedo Guppies are omnivorous and require a well-balanced diet to maintain their vibrant colors and health:
Staple Foods: High-quality guppy flakes or micro pellets.
Live/Frozen Foods: Brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and mosquito larvae provide essential proteins.
Vegetables: Blanched spinach, zucchini, or spirulina-based food enhance digestion and coloration.
Feeding Schedule: Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily, ensuring no excess food is left to decay.
Tank Mates
These guppies are peaceful community fish and do well with similarly non-aggressive species. Suitable tank mates include:
Other guppies
Mollies
Platies
Neon Tetras
Corydoras Catfish
Shrimp (such as Amano or Cherry Shrimp) Avoid housing them with aggressive fish like cichlids or fin-nippers such as tiger barbs.
Breeding Dragon Tuxedo Guppies
Breeding guppies is simple, making them a great choice for beginner breeders.
Reproduction: Guppies are live bearers, meaning females give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs.
Gestation Period: Approximately 28 days.
Breeding Tank Setup: A separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or breeder boxes protects fry from being eaten by adults.
Fry Care: Newly hatched fry should be fed crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, or specialized fry food for healthy growth.
Common Health Issues & Prevention
While generally hardy, Dragon Tuxedo Guppies can be prone to some common fish diseases:
Ich (White Spot Disease): Small white spots on the body and fins. Treat with aquarium salt and increased temperature.
Fin Rot: Fins appear frayed or discolored. Improve water quality and use antibacterial treatments.
Velvet Disease: Dust-like gold or rust-colored spots. Treat with copper-based medications.
Prevention Tips: Regular water changes, a varied diet, and avoiding overcrowding help prevent most health issues.
Female Dragon Tuxedo Guppy:
Female Dragon Tuxedo Guppies typically exhibit similar coloration and patterning to their male counterparts, although they may have slightly less intense colors. They usually have a subtler iridescence and may feature shades of red, orange, and other colors, though typically less intense than males.
The tuxedo pattern is present, with the front half of the body being lighter or more colorful and the back half being darker. The fins of Female Tuxedo Dragon guppies are usually shorter and less flamboyant compared to males. Despite this, they can still show attractive patterns and colors.
The female tuxedo dragon guppy fish are peaceful and social, much like the males. They can be kept in groups and are compatible with a variety of community fish. Females give birth to live fry. A gravid spot near the rear vent, which darkens as pregnancy progresses, indicates a pregnant female.
The fins of Female Dragon Tuxedo Guppies display vibrant colors such as red, orange, yellow, blue, or green, often with metallic or iridescent sheens.
Conclusion
The Dragon Tuxedo Guppy is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a low-maintenance, visually stunning fish. Its fiery colors, peaceful nature, and easy breeding make it a valuable addition to any freshwater aquarium.