Red Dragon Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) – The Fiery Jewel of the Aquarium

Few freshwater fish bring the heat quite like the Red Dragon Guppy. With its vibrant scarlet tail patterned like dragon scales and a contrasting, often metallic body, this guppy is a living flame in motion. Hardy, beautiful, and easy to breed, the Red Dragon Guppy is a favorite among beginner and experienced aquarists alike.

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? What Is a Red Dragon Guppy?

The Red Dragon Guppy is a selectively bred variety of Poecilia reticulata (the common guppy), known for its:

• Bright red caudal (tail) fin, often patterned with dragon-scale-like markings

• White, silver, or bluish anterior (front) body

• Long, flowing fins in males

• Stunning contrast between the body and tail

It’s part of a class of "dragon guppies" prized for their bold patterns, fiery colors, and ornamental fins.

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? Size & Lifespan

• Adult Size: 1.5–2.5 inches (3.8–6.3 cm)

• Lifespan: 2–3 years with good care

• Sexual Dimorphism: Males are smaller with more vivid color and longer fins; females are larger and rounder with duller hues

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? Behavior & Temperament

Red Dragon Guppies are:

• Peaceful and social

• Thrive in groups of 3 or more

• Active swimmers that enjoy the middle and upper parts of the tank

• Great additions to community tanks

They do well with other peaceful fish and fellow livebearers, but should be kept away from fin-nippers like Tiger Barbs or large, aggressive species.

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? Water Parameters & Tank Setup

These guppies are resilient, but thrive in clean, stable environments.

Ideal Tank Conditions:

• Tank Size: 10+ gallons (larger for groups or breeding)

• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

• pH: 6.8–7.8

• Hardness: Moderate to hard (guppies like mineral-rich water)

• Filtration: Gentle; avoid strong currents

• Decor: Live plants (like hornwort, Java moss), driftwood, open swimming space

• Lighting: Moderate—enhances coloration and supports plant growth

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?️ Diet & Feeding

Red Dragon Guppies are omnivores and need a well-rounded diet to maintain their vivid colors and health.

Feed Them:

• High-quality guppy flakes or micro pellets

• Frozen or live foods: brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia

• Blanched vegetables: spinach, zucchini, peas

• Color-enhancing foods (those high in carotenoids or spirulina)

Feed once or twice daily, only as much as they can consume in 1–2 minutes.

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? Breeding Red Dragon Guppies

As livebearers, these guppies breed readily in home aquariums.

Breeding Notes:

• Males pursue females often—keep a 2:1 female-to-male ratio

• Females give birth to 20–50 fry every 4–6 weeks

• Provide dense plants or breeding boxes for fry to hide

• Separate parents if you want to save the fry

• Fry eat crushed flakes, powdered fry food, or baby brine shrimp

For maintaining the Red Dragon color line, selective breeding is essential.

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? Choosing Healthy Red Dragon Guppies

When shopping:

• Look for vibrant coloration and well-formed fins

• Avoid fish with clamped fins, pale color, or signs of illness

• Choose active swimmers that are alert and responsive

Buy from reputable breeders or stores that specialize in high-quality strains.

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