Tuxedo Neon Blue Guppy Male

Introduction

The Tuxedo Neon Blue Guppy is a beautiful and colorful variation of the popular guppy, known for its stunning blue body and contrasting vibrant tail coloration, which resembles a tuxedo pattern. With their peaceful nature, easy care requirements, and captivating appearance, they are a favorite among hobbyists for both beginner and advanced aquarists alike.

Scientific Name

Poecilia reticulata

Common Name

Tuxedo Neon Blue Guppy

Water Quality and Temperature

• Temperature: 72°F-82°F (22°C-28°C)
• pH Level: 7.0-8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
• Water Hardness: 8-12 dGH (moderately hard to hard)
• Filtration: A gentle filtration system is ideal for guppies.
• Water Changes: Regular water changes (20-30% weekly) are recommended for optimal water conditions.

Feeding

Tuxedo Neon Blue Guppies are omnivorous, thriving on a varied diet:

• Staple Diet: High-quality flake food or pellet food designed for guppies.
• Protein Sources: Live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia.
• Vegetables: Occasional treats like blanched spinach or algae-based food to round out their diet.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed 2-3 times a day in small portions to prevent overfeeding.

Tank Mates

These guppies are peaceful and social, making them ideal for community tanks:

• Ideal Tank Mates:
  • Other peaceful livebearers like mollies, platies, and swordtails.
  • Tetras, rasboras, small catfish (e.g., Corydoras ), and shrimp.
  • Snails can also be kept with Guppies.
• Avoid:
  • Aggressive or fin-nipping species, such as certain cichlids or barbs, which may stress or harm the guppies.

Substrates and Tank Decorations

• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand works well, as it allows guppies to forage for food and prevents any irritation to their delicate fins.
• Decorations: Include plants and decorations that provide hiding spots and swimming areas. Guppies enjoy having some open space to swim but also appreciate areas with dense plants for cover.
• Water Flow: A moderate flow is preferred, as it mimics their natural environment and helps them exercise.

Suitable Plants

• Java Moss
• Anubias
• Java Fern
• Amazon Swords
• Water Sprite

Sexing

• Males: Smaller, with vibrant blue coloration, long tails, and the gonopodium (modified anal fin).
• Females: Larger, rounder, with more muted colors and no gonopodium.

Breeding

Tuxedo Neon Blue Guppies are livebearers, making breeding relatively easy:

• Breeding Setup: A breeding tank or breeding box can help protect the fry.
• Gestation Period: 21-30 days, after which the female will give birth to live fry.
• Fry Care: Feed the fry with crushed flakes or specialized fry food.

Maximum Size and Longevity

• Size: 1.5-2 inches (3.8-5 cm).
• Lifespan: 2-3 years with proper care.

General Information

Tuxedo Neon Blue Guppies are known for their vibrant blue color and tuxedo-like pattern on their tails, making them an attractive addition to any freshwater aquarium. They are hardy and easy to care for, making them great for beginners. Their peaceful temperament and lively nature also make them excellent community tank fish.

A Fun Fact

The guppy is one of the most widely distributed freshwater fish in the world. Due to their ease of breeding and adaptability, they have been introduced to many countries and are often used in environmental studies and pest control!