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Tuxedo Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Posted by Max Gandara on on 21st May 2025

Tuxedo Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) – Stylish, Hardy, and Perfect for Every Aquarium

Looking to add a splash of class and color to your tank? The Tuxedo Guppy brings elegance and ease to freshwater aquariums. Named for its sharp color contrast, often featuring a dark "jacket" on the rear half of the body and a lighter, colorful front, this guppy is as fashionable as it is hardy.

Whether you're new to the hobby or a seasoned aquarist, Tuxedo Guppies are low-maintenance, lively, and incredibly rewarding to keep.

? What Is a Tuxedo Guppy?

The Tuxedo Guppy is a selectively bred variety of the common guppy (Poecilia reticulata) known for its unique bi-color appearance. The defining feature is the sharp contrast between the front and rear halves of the body—often dark blue, black, or gray on the back, paired with bright oranges, reds, blues, or yellows in the front.

Popular types include:

  • Red Tuxedo Guppy

  • Blue Tuxedo Guppy

  • Yellow or Golden Tuxedo Guppy

  • Half Black Guppy (a tuxedo-style variant)

? Size & Lifespan

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

  • Lifespan: 2–3 years (longer with excellent care)

  • Sexual Dimorphism: Males are smaller and more colorful; females are larger and less vividly marked

? Tank Requirements

Tuxedo Guppies are easy to care for and ideal for community tanks.

Water Conditions:

  • Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum (larger if breeding or keeping a group)

  • Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

  • pH: 6.8–8.0

  • Water Hardness: Moderate to hard

  • Water Type: Freshwater, though they tolerate low salinity (optional)

Provide plants, swimming space, and gentle filtration. Floating plants and fine-leaved species like hornwort or guppy grass give fry places to hide if breeding.

? Behavior & Tankmates

Tuxedo Guppies are peaceful, social fish that thrive in groups of 3 or more. They're constantly active and enjoy open swimming space.

Ideal Tankmates:

  • Mollies

  • Platies

  • Corydoras

  • Neon Tetras

  • Snails and shrimp (watch for curious nipping)

Avoid fin-nippers like Tiger Barbs or large/aggressive fish.

? Diet & Feeding

These guppies are omnivores and do best on a varied diet.

Feeding Recommendations:

  • High-quality flakes or micro pellets

  • Freeze-dried or frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms

  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach)

  • Occasional live foods (daphnia, baby brine shrimp)

Feed once or twice daily—just enough for them to finish in under 2 minutes.

? Breeding Tuxedo Guppies

Tuxedo Guppies are prolific livebearers. A single female can produce 20–40 fry every 4–6 weeks.

Breeding Tips:

  • Maintain a 2:1 female-to-male ratio to reduce stress

  • Use breeding boxes or heavily planted areas to protect fry

  • Feed fry finely crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp

If you're interested in maintaining the tuxedo color pattern, selective breeding is key—look for offspring with the strongest bi-color split.

? Buying Tips

When purchasing Tuxedo Guppies:

  • Choose fish with bright, even coloration and no clamped fins

  • Look for active swimmers with alert behavior

  • Avoid fish with white spots, cloudy eyes, or sunken bellies

Buy from reputable breeders or stores that keep guppies in clean, well-maintained tanks.

? Final Thoughts

The Tuxedo Guppy is proof that style and simplicity can go hand-in-hand in the aquarium hobby. With their graceful movement, vibrant colors, and easygoing care requirements, they’re perfect for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

Whether you're building a vibrant community tank or starting a guppy breeding project, Tuxedo Guppies will bring both charm and class to your aquatic world.