A Red Mosaic Guppy is a selectively bred variation of the common guppy (Poecilia reticulata) fish that has vibrant red coloring and a mosaic pattern on its body. Guppies are small, tropical fish known for their bright and varied colors.
The “mosaic” pattern in a red mosaic guppy typically refers to a speckled or dappled appearance on the body, which can make the red coloration even more striking. This pattern is often created through selective breeding by guppy enthusiasts and breeders who aim to enhance and stabilize these unique characteristics. In this Red Mosaic Guppy Care Guide we will dive into what makes these guppies so popular in the aquarium industry and what the best way to take care of them is.
key characteristics
- Appearance: Red mosaic guppies have a vibrant red coloration on their body, fins, and tail.
- Size: Red mosaic guppies are small fish, with males typically reaching around 1.5 to 2.5 inches (4-6 cm) in length, while females are slightly larger, ranging from 2 to 2.5 inches (5-6 cm).
- Care Requirements: Red mosaic guppies are hardy and relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for beginners in the aquarium hobby..
- Diet: They are omnivorous and accept a wide range of foods. Their diet should include high-quality flake or pellet food, supplemented with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
- Origin: Selective Tank Bred – Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, particularly in countries like Venezuela, Guyana, and Trinidad.
- Lifespan: Red mosaic guppies have a relatively short lifespan compared to some other aquarium fish, typically living for around 2 to 3 years. Proper care, nutrition, and a stress-free environment can contribute to a longer lifespan.
Red Mosaic Guppy Care Guide
Tank Size
The best size tank for a Red Mosaic Guppy is a 10 gallon size tank if you have a group of less than 5 fish. If you plan on having more than 5 fish you should move up to a larger tank like a 20 gallon to 55 gallon tank. The larger the tank the easier it is to keep the water clean and clear.
Filtration
Water quality is the most important part of keeping tropical fish healthy in your Red Mosaic Guppy tank. One of the best options is the Fluval Aquaclear Power Filter, known for its reliability and customizable filtration. Another excellent choice is the Eheim Classic External Canister Filter, its quiet operation and efficient mechanical and biological filtration.
Substrate Choices:
For substrate, consider choosing fine gravel, aqua soil or sand. These options are ideal as they are easy to clean, provide a natural appearance, and allow for the rooting of live plants.
Plant Selection:
The best plants for a guppy tank are those that are easy to care for, provide plenty of hiding places for fry, and don’t require a lot of light. Here are a few of the most popular choices:
- Java moss: Java moss is a very hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. It is also very good at providing hiding places for fry
- Anacharis: Anacharis is a fast-growing plant that can help to improve water quality. It is also a good choice for guppy tanks because it provides plenty of hiding places for fry.
- Hornwort: Hornwort is another fast-growing plant that is easy to care for. It is also a good choice for guppy tanks because it provides plenty of hiding places for fry.
- Water wisteria: Water wisteria is a beautiful plant that can add a lot of interest to a guppy tank. It is also a good choice for guppy tanks because it provides plenty of hiding places for fry.
- Amazon sword: Amazon sword is a popular choice for guppy tanks because it is easy to care for and provides plenty of hiding places for fry. It is also a good choice for larger guppy tanks.
Steps for setting up your tank :
- Choose a location for your tank. The tank should be placed in a level spot where it will not receive direct sunlight.
- Clean the tank. Rinse the tank with water to remove any dust or debris. Do not use soap or detergent, as this can be harmful to fish.
- Add the substrate. Add a 2-3 inch layer of substrate to the bottom of the tank.
- Add the decorations. Rinse the decorations thoroughly before adding them to the tank. Be careful not to overcrowd the tank with decorations, as guppies need plenty of swimming space.
- Fill the tank with water. Use dechlorinated water to fill the tank. You can use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and other harmful chemicals from the water.
- Install the filter, heater, and air pump. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the equipment.
- Cycle the tank. This involves establishing a colony of beneficial bacteria in the tank. The bacteria will help to break down fish waste and other toxins
- Test the water. Once the tank has cycled, test the water to make sure that the parameters are within the safe range for guppies. The ideal water temperature for guppies is 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit. The pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5 with <0 Nitrates and Nitrites
- Add the guppies. Start by adding a few guppies to the tank and monitor them closely for any signs of stress. If the guppies seem to be doing well, you can add more fish to the tank gradually.
Tank Mates
Red mosaic guppies are peaceful fish and can be kept with a variety of other peaceful fish in a community aquarium. Some good tank mates for red mosaic guppies include:
- Other guppies
- Platies
- Mollies
- Swordtails
- Cory catfish
- Bristlenose plecos
- Dwarf gouramis
- Harlequin rasboras
- Cardinal tetras
- White cloud mountain minnows
- Neon tetras
- Cherry shrimp
Breeding
Breeding Red Mosaic Guppy is relatively easy in a home aquarium. If you are interested in breeding Red Mosaic Guppy, it is important to have a separate breeding tank. The breeding tank should be planted with floating plants to provide cover for the fry.
To breed Red Mosaic Guppy, simply place a male and female guppy in the breeding tank. The female will become pregnant within a few days. The gestation period for guppies is around 21 to 30 days.
Once the female guppy is pregnant, she will develop a dark spot on her abdomen. This spot is called the gravid spot and it is a sign that the female is close to giving birth.
When the female guppy is ready to give birth, she will isolate herself from the other fish. She will then give birth to live fry. The fry will be very small and will need to be fed a diet of infusoria or baby brine shrimp until they are large enough to eat regular food.
Here are some additional tips for breeding Red Mosaic Guppy:
- Use healthy and well-fed fish for breeding.
- Keep the breeding tank clean and well-maintained.
- Provide the fish with a variety of foods to ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need.
- Remove the male guppy from the breeding tank after the female is pregnant.
- Feed the fry a diet of infusoria or baby brine shrimp until they are large enough to eat regular food.
Where to buy and average price
Red Mosaic Guppies can be purchased from a variety of sources, including:
- Local fish stores: This is a great option if you want to see the fish in person before you buy them. You can also ask the staff questions about the fish and their care requirements.
- Online fish retailers: This is a convenient option if you can’t find Red Mosaic Guppies at your local fish store. However, it is important to choose a reputable online retailer that offers healthy fish and a live arrival guarantee.
- Aquarium clubs and breeders: Aquarium clubs and breeders are often a great source of high-quality Red Mosaic Guppy. You can find aquarium clubs and breeders in your area by searching online or contacting your local fish store.
The average price of a Red Mosaic Guppy varies depending on the source and the quality of the fish. However, most Red Mosaic Guppies can be purchased for between $2 and $5 each from local store. If you are planning on purchasing from a breeder you can plan on spending $10-$25 per a fish.
