Dragon Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Description:
The Dragon Guppy is a striking variety of guppy known for its deep black body contrasted by a vibrant orange and black mosaic pattern on its expansive tail. The dorsal fin displays similar orange accents, giving the fish a bold, fiery appearance. This variety's intense coloration and flowing fins make it a standout in any aquarium.

Size:
Up to 2 inches (5 cm)

Aquarium Size:
A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for a small group, though larger tanks are preferred for better water quality and breeding colonies.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)

• pH: 6.8 to 7.8

• Hardness: Moderate to hard

Temperament:
Dragon Guppies are peaceful community fish, though males may occasionally display minor competitive behavior toward each other when kept together. They are best suited for calm setups with similarly peaceful species.

Group Size:
Best kept in groups of 6 or more. A ratio of 1 male to 2-3 females is recommended when keeping mixed groups to reduce stress on the females.

Compatibility:
Dragon Guppies are ideal for peaceful community tanks and can be housed with species such as tetras, rasboras, corydoras catfish, and other livebearers. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species due to their long, delicate fins.

Diet:
Omnivorous. They thrive on a varied diet of high-quality guppy flakes, micro pellets, and frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia. Occasional plant-based foods can also benefit their overall health.

Care Level:
Beginner. Dragon Guppies are hardy and adaptable but require clean, stable water conditions for long-term health and optimal coloration.

Planted Aquarium:
Dragon Guppies thrive in planted aquariums. Plants offer cover for fry, reduce stress, and help accentuate their vibrant colors while contributing to water quality.

Invertebrate Compatibility:
Safe with peaceful invertebrates such as snails and larger shrimp species. However, small shrimp fry could be at risk of predation.

Additional Notes:
Dragon Guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry. If breeding is not desired, consider keeping only males or providing plenty of hiding spots for fry to avoid predation. Their flowing fins can make them vulnerable to fin damage, so avoid keeping them with aggressive tankmates.

Disclaimer:
Aquarium Arts cannot guarantee compatibility with your current fish or the fish you buy and cannot be held liable for fish lost due to aggression.