The Pink Tuxedo Guppy is one of many unique varieties of Poecilia reticulata guppies developed through years of careful selective breeding. Pink Tuxedo Guppies are a beautiful variety of Guppy known for their delicate pink coloration and unique tuxedo-like patterns. These guppies combine the traits of pink guppies with the classic tuxedo patterning characterized by light and dark pink color areas on their bodies and fins.
Overview
Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
Common Name: Pink 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
The Pink Tuxedo Guppies price is between $5 to $15. The price can vary depending on several factors, including the source, the size of the fish, the quality of the coloration and pattern, and the region where they are being sold.
Physical Appearance
The Pink Tuxedo Guppy is known for its graceful and eye-catching coloration:
Body Color: Soft pink or peach-colored upper half.
Tuxedo Pattern: The lower half of the body, extending to the caudal (tail) fin, is covered in deep black, resembling a formal tuxedo.
Fins: Some variations may display additional color highlights like red or iridescent blue in the tail or dorsal fin.
Sexual Dimorphism: Males are smaller and more colorful, with elongated, flowing fins. Females are larger and have a rounder body shape with subtler coloration.
Tank Requirements
Pink Tuxedo Guppies are adaptable but thrive best in well-maintained aquariums with stable conditions.
Tank Size: Minimum of 10 gallons for a small group (5-6 guppies). A larger tank is preferable for a more balanced ecosystem.
Water Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH Level: 6.8-7.8
Water Hardness: 8-12 dGH
Filtration: A gentle sponge filter or hang-on-back filter to maintain water quality without creating excessive current.
Substrate & Decorations: Fine gravel or sand with live plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and Floating Water Sprite provide excellent cover and breeding spaces.
Diet & Feeding
Pink Tuxedo Guppies are omnivorous and require a diverse diet for optimal health and vibrant coloration:
Staple Foods: High-quality guppy flakes or micro pellets.
Live/Frozen Foods: Brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and mosquito larvae for protein.
Vegetables: Blanched spinach, zucchini, or spirulina-based food to support digestion.
Feeding Schedule: Offer small portions 2-3 times daily to prevent overfeeding and maintain clean water conditions.
Tank Mates
These guppies are peaceful community fish and do well with 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 Pink Tuxedo Guppies
Breeding guppies is straightforward, making them ideal for beginners interested in livebearers.
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 a breeder box can help protect 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 hardy, Pink Tuxedo Guppies can be prone to some common fish diseases:
Ich (White Spot Disease): Tiny white spots on the body and fins. Treat with aquarium salt and increased water temperature.
Fin Rot: Frayed or discolored fins. Improve water quality and use antibacterial treatments.
Velvet Disease: Rust-colored dust-like spots on the body. Treat with copper-based medications.
Prevention Tips: Regular water changes, a balanced diet, and avoiding overcrowding help prevent most health issues.
Female Pink Tuxedo Guppy:
Female Pink Tuxedo Guppies exhibit similar coloration and patterning to their male counterparts, although they may have slightly less intense colors.
The body of Female Pink Tuxedo Guppies usually features a delicate pink coloration. They may also exhibit subtle variations in color intensity. They have a tuxedo pattern that extends from the midsection to the tail, creating a striking contrast with the lighter pink body color. While the tails and fins of Female pink Tuxedo guppies are less elaborate than the males, the tails and fins of female Pink Tuxedo Guppies can still display beautiful patterns and colors. Female pink tuxedo guppies can grow up to 3 inches in length.
Female Pink Tuxedo Guppies have a gravid spot near the rear of their abdomen. This spot is dark and can become more pronounced when the female is pregnant, indicating the presence of developing fry.
The Female Pink Tuxedo Guppy price is between $5 to $10. The price varies depending on factors like the size of the fish, the quality of the coloration and pattern, etc.