Red Tuxedo Guppy Care Guide – Breeding, Where to Buy, Optimal Tank Setup

A red tuxedo guppy is a type of guppy (Poecilia reticulata) fish that is selectively bred for its striking and vibrant red coloration. The term “tuxedo” in its name refers to the pattern of coloration on its body. Tuxedo guppies have a two-tone coloration pattern, with a solid, bold color (in this case, red) on their body and a contrasting color, often black, on their tail and dorsal fin. This pattern is said to resemble a tuxedo, with the bold body color resembling the jacket and the contrasting color resembling the trousers or pants. These tropical freshwater fish, known for their vibrant and intricate patterns, are a popular choice among fishkeepers, both novice and experienced.

In this red tuxedo guppy care guide, we will look into the world of the red tuxedo guppy, exploring its characteristics, care requirements, and the fascinating world of livebearer fish.

Key Characteristics and Care Guidelines

• Appearance: The red tuxedo guppy displays a vivid crimson hue with a contrasting tuxedo-like pattern of deep, dark tones on its tail and dorsal fins.
• Size: red tuxedo guppies are small fish. Females grow to about 2-2.5 inches (5-6.4 centimeters) in length, while males are slightly smaller.
• Tank size: A minimum of 10 gallons for a group of 6 fish.
• 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: red tuxedo guppies, like other guppy variations, have been selectively bred over many years by hobbyists and breeders. They are not a natural species but rather a result of selective breeding within the guppy species.
• Lifespan: red tuxedo guppies typically have a lifespan of about 2-3 years in well-maintained aquarium conditions.
• Social Behavior: Peaceful, Schooling fish that swims in the top half of the water column.

Red Tuxedo Guppy Care Guide

Setting up an appropriate tank for red tuxedo guppies, or any guppies, requires careful consideration to ensure the well-being of these beautiful tropical freshwater fish. Here’s a guide on how to set up a suitable tank for them:

1. Tank Size: Guppies are relatively small fish, but they appreciate space to swim and explore. A 10-gallon tank is a good starting point for a small group of guppies, but larger tanks are better, especially if you plan to keep more guppies.
2. Filtration: Install a good-quality aquarium filter to maintain water quality. Guppies are sensitive to ammonia and nitrite levels, so an efficient filter is essential for their health.
3. Heater: Guppies are tropical fish and require a stable water temperature between 72-82°F (22-28°C). A submersible aquarium heater will help maintain the right temperature.
4. Substrate: Use a fine-gravel or sand substrate. Guppies like to forage in the substrate for food, so avoid sharp or coarse gravel.
5. Plants and Decorations: Guppies appreciate plenty of live or silk plants for shelter and breeding sites. Decorations, such as driftwood or caves, can also be added for enrichment.
6. Lighting: Provide a natural light cycle with 8-12 hours of light per day. Guppies don’t have specific lighting requirements but prefer a consistent day-night cycle.
7. Water Parameters: Maintain good water quality with a pH level around 6.8-7.8 and a water hardness of 8-12 dGH. Regular water testing and partial water changes are crucial.
8. Cycling: Before adding your guppies, make sure the tank is cycled. This process establishes beneficial bacteria that break down ammonia and nitrites.
9. Aeration: Guppies benefit from gentle water movement, which can be achieved with an air pump and air stone. However, be mindful of not creating strong currents.
10. Tank Mates: Guppies are peaceful fish and can coexist with other community fish that have similar water requirements. Just avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.
11. Feeding: Guppies are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet. Offer them high-quality flake or pellet food supplemented with occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms.
12. Water Maintenance: Regularly monitor water parameters and perform partial water changes (about 25% of the water) every 1-2 weeks to keep the tank environment stable and healthy for your guppies.
13. Breeding Considerations: If you plan to breed your guppies, provide dense plant cover, as guppies give birth to live fry. You may want to separate pregnant females to protect the fry from being eaten.

By setting up a well-maintained aquarium with the right conditions, you can enjoy the beauty of red tuxedo guppies while ensuring their health and happiness in your tank.

How To Breed Red Tuxedo Guppies

Breeding red tuxedo guppies, like other guppy varieties, can be a rewarding experience. Here are the steps to successfully breed red tuxedo guppies:

1. Select Healthy Guppies:
Start with healthy, mature guppies that are in good condition. Ensure that the males and females you plan to breed are free from diseases and have vibrant colors.

2. Separate the Genders:
To control breeding and protect fry (baby guppies), it’s essential to separate males and females until you’re ready for them to breed. You can use a separate breeding or nursery tank for this purpose.

3. Create Ideal Breeding Conditions:
In the breeding tank, maintain stable water conditions with the appropriate temperature, pH, and water hardness. Provide plenty of live or silk plants, which serve as hiding spots for fry and help protect them from adult guppies.

4. Introduce the Males and Females:
When you’re ready to initiate breeding, introduce a ratio of 1 male to 2-3 females. Guppies are livebearers, meaning females give birth to live fry. The male will fertilize the female’s eggs internally.

5. Observe Mating Behavior:
Guppy mating is relatively straightforward. The males will display their colorful fins and tails and chase the females. Once a female is receptive, the male will align his anal fin (gonopodium) with the female’s genital opening and transfer sperm. This process is rapid but can occur multiple times over a short period.

6. Provide Proper Nutrition:
Ensure the pregnant females receive a nutritious diet to support the development of the fry. High-quality food with added protein, like live or frozen foods, can be beneficial during this period.

7. Isolate Pregnant Females:
Guppy pregnancies last about 4-6 weeks, and it’s important to isolate pregnant females when they begin to show signs of pregnancy. You can use a separate breeding trap or a mesh enclosure within the main tank to protect them from potential harassment by other fish.

8. Monitor and Care for Fry:
When the female gives birth, the fry will be born alive and immediately begin swimming. The female may eat her own fry, so it’s crucial to remove the fry to a nursery tank to keep them safe. Feed the fry with finely crushed flake food or specialized fry food.

9. Maintain Water Quality:
Keep a close eye on water parameters, as young fry are sensitive to water quality. Perform regular water changes and maintain a clean environment for their growth.

10. Continue Care and Growth:
As the fry grow, they will eventually look like miniature versions of adult guppies. Gradually increase the size of their tank and continue to provide proper care and nutrition to ensure their healthy development.

Best Places To Buy And How Much they Cost

The best places to buy red tuxedo guppies and the average price can vary depending on your location and the specific strains or quality you’re looking for. Here are some common options and price ranges to consider:

1. Local Aquarium Stores:
   Many local fish stores (LFS) may carry a variety of guppy strains, including red tuxedo guppies. Prices can vary significantly depending on the quality and rarity of the strain. On average, you might find common red tuxedo guppies for $2 to $5 each, but more unique or high-quality strains can be more expensive, sometimes reaching $10 to $20 or even more per fish.
2. Aquarium Clubs and Events:
   Local aquarium clubs often host events where hobbyists buy, sell, and trade fish. You can often find unique strains and knowledgeable breeders at these events. Prices can be competitive, with common strains still typically ranging from $2 to $5 each, but rarer strains may be more expensive.
3. Online Retailers and Classifieds:
   Online marketplaces and classified ads, such as Aquabid, eBay, and local classified websites, are excellent places to find a wide variety of guppy strains, including red tuxedo guppies. Prices can vary widely, but you can typically find common strains starting at $2 to $5 per fish, and prices may go up for more sought-after strains or pairs.
4. Guppy Breeders and Enthusiasts:
   Connect with guppy breeders and enthusiasts through online forums, social media groups, or local fish clubs. You might find hobbyist breeders who specialize in red tuxedo guppies, and prices can vary depending on their reputation and the quality of the fish. Expect to pay around $5 to $20 or more per fish, depending on the strain and breeder.
5. Specialized Guppy Breeders and Websites:
   Some breeders specialize in rare and high-quality guppy strains and have their own websites. Prices can vary widely, but for premium strains, you might pay $20 to $50 or more per fish.

Remember that the price of red tuxedo guppies can vary greatly based on factors like the strain’s rarity, quality, and the reputation of the breeder or seller. When purchasing guppies, ensure that you’re buying from a reputable source to get healthy, well-cared-for fish. Additionally, consider the shipping costs if you’re buying online, and make sure you’re prepared to provide a suitable environment for your new guppies.