Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) - Live tropical fish for sale UK

Poecilia reticulata

Fancy Guppy (Red Tuxedo Male Guppy) - UK

Beginner Friendly
Peaceful
£4.99In Stock

Add a striking Red Tuxedo Male Fancy Guppy to your tank. Moderate care, lively and eye-catching. Buy now for UK delivery and a standout display fish.

Breeding SpeciesCommunity FishFishFreshwater Tropical FishGuppiesLivebearersMale FishModerate Care

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name
Poecilia reticulata
Adult Size
6 cm
Lifespan
2 years
Care Level
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Temperature
22–28°C
pH Range
6.8–8.5
Hardness
10–30 dGH
Minimum Tank
40L
Diet
Omnivore - flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods, algae

Premium Quality

Healthy, vibrant fish from trusted suppliers

Expert Care

Detailed care guides and support

Live Arrival Guarantee

Your fish arrives healthy or we'll replace it

Acclimated

Properly quarantined and ready for your tank

Quick Care Guide

Temperature
22–28°C
pH Range
6.8–8.5
Minimum Tank
40L
Adult Size
6 cm
Lifespan
2 years
Care Level
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Diet
Omnivore - flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods, algae
Water Hardness
10–30 dGH
Tank Region
All

Water Parameters

Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors

Temperature
22–28°C
22°CIdeal Range28°C
pH Level
6.8–8.5
6.8Ideal Range8.5
Water Hardness
10–30 dGH
10 dGHIdeal Range30 dGH

Why Choose This Fish?

Add a striking Red Tuxedo Male Fancy Guppy to your tank. Moderate care, lively and eye-catching. Buy now for UK delivery and a standout display fish.

The Red Tuxedo Male Guppy is one of the most eye-catching forms of the classic livebearer, and it earns the Fancy Guppy title with ease. This colour strain of Poecilia reticulata combines a vivid red front half with a dark tuxedo-style rear body, creating a sharp contrast that stands out in planted tanks and community aquariums alike. Native guppy fish origin traces back to Trinidad, Venezuela, Guyana, and Brazil, but today this species is a staple of freshwater tropical fish UK keeping because it is peaceful, active, and highly adaptable. Adults reach about 6 cm, live around 2 years, and suit aquarists looking for a premier guppy red tuxedo male randomly selected low maintenance fish that still delivers bold colour and constant movement. If you are comparing fancy guppy size, fancy guppy female options, or even a neon blue guppy and blue neon tux guppy, this male stands out for its balance of beauty and hardiness. See our detailed photos showing the rich red body, dark tuxedo finish, and flowing fins that make this fish a favourite for guppy fish for sale UK searches, guppy fish for sale online, and fancy guppy for sale shoppers. For beginners, it is also a hardy premier guppy red tuxedo male randomly selected for new tank setups, especially when you want a colourful aquarium fish UK display that feels lively without being difficult to maintain.

🔹 Quick Facts

  • Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Min Tank Size: 40 litres (10 gallons)
  • Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
  • pH Range: 6.8-8.5
  • Lifespan: Up to 2 years
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Diet: Omnivore - flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods, algae

Classification

  • Order: Cyprinodontiformes
  • Family: Poeciliidae
  • Genus: Poecilia

The guppy fish origin is one of the most important stories in the aquarium hobby. Guppies were first documented in the 19th century and quickly became popular because they are colourful, adaptable, and easy to breed. In the hobby, they sit alongside mollies and platies as classic livebearers, making them a natural choice for anyone asking what kind of fish are compatible with guppies or what guppies can live together in a community tank. The Red Tuxedo Male is a selectively bred colour morph, while fancy guppy vs wild guppy comparisons usually show how much stronger the domestic line is in colour, finnage, and pattern. Related favourites include Guppy Poecilia Ret in Pairs Gallexy, Guppy German Sunset Male, and Guppy Dumbo Ear Mix Male.

Where Do Fancy Guppies Come From? Natural Habitat Explained

In the wild, guppy fish in the wild live in warm, slow-moving freshwater streams, ditches, ponds, and shallow river margins across northern South America and the Caribbean. Their guppy fish natural habitat is usually sunny, plant-filled, and rich in tiny foods such as algae, insect larvae, and biofilm. That is why guppy fish habitat design in aquariums should include cover, gentle flow, and open swimming space. They are not deep-water fish, and they do best in stable tropical conditions rather than cold, fluctuating water. If you are wondering where do guppy fish come from, the answer is a mix of Trinidad, Venezuela, Guyana, and Brazil, where they evolved as adaptable livebearers that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions.

In nature, guppy fish in pond environments often feed near the surface and midwater, picking at small invertebrates and plant matter. That behaviour explains why guppy fish flakes, micro pellets, and frozen foods all work well in captivity. Their natural ecosystem is often hard and slightly alkaline, which is why guppy fish water temperature and mineral content matter more than many new keepers realise. Guppy fish in the wild also face predators, so they stay active and alert, especially in open water. A well-planted aquarium helps recreate this security and encourages brighter colour, better feeding, and calmer behaviour. If you are building a premier guppy red tuxedo male randomly selected habitat, think of shallow vegetation, gentle filtration, and stable tropical tank temperature rather than a sterile display.

Although guppies are hardy, they still benefit from consistent care. In the wild they do not experience abrupt temperature swings, so guppy fish temperature range should stay steady between 22-28°C. Many keepers ask what temperature do guppies need or what temperature should guppies be kept at, and the answer is simple: stability is more important than chasing the exact middle of the range. A planted tank with floating cover, dark substrate, and calm water will usually bring out the best in this fish. The result is stronger colour, more natural grazing, and less stress.

💡 Expert Tip

Mimicking the guppy fish natural habitat improves health and brings out natural behaviours. Use live plants, a gentle filter, and stable hard water to support colour, appetite, and breeding success.

How to Set Up the Perfect Tank for Fancy Guppies

Tank Size Requirements

For a single Red Tuxedo Male, guppy fish tank size should start at 40 litres, but a larger aquarium is always better for long-term stability. If you are planning a group, guppies minimum tank size is best treated as a starting point rather than a goal. A 60 litre aquarium gives more room for swimming, planting, and filtration, which is why premier guppy red tuxedo male randomly selected in 60 litre tank setups are so popular. For small groups, 5 guppies tank size is usually comfortable in 60 litres, while 6 guppies tank size is better in 75 litres or more. The more fish you keep, the more important guppies tank size becomes because guppies are active, social, and prolific breeders. When people search guppy fish tank requirements or guppy fish requirements, the answer is usually: more water volume, more plants, and more filtration than they first expect.

For a fancy guppy tank setup, avoid tiny bowls and unfiltered nano tanks. A proper aquarium reduces stress, supports stable guppy fish tank setup, and gives room for females if you later add them. If you want a premier guppy red tuxedo male randomly selected tank size minimum recommendation, 40 litres is the floor, but 60-90 litres is the sweet spot for a display tank. This is especially true when you are mixing guppies with other peaceful fish.

Water Parameters

Guppy fish temperature should stay between 22-28°C, with 24-26°C being ideal for most homes. If you are asking what is the best temperature for guppy fish, aim for the middle of the range and keep it steady. Guppy fish temperature range, guppy fish water temperature, and guppy fish temperature all point to the same rule: avoid sudden swings. The species prefers alkaline water, so premier guppy red tuxedo male randomly selected pH level requirements are 6.8-8.5, with moderate to hard water being ideal. Guppy fish water hardness should sit around 10-30 dGH, which helps with health, osmotic balance, and breeding. In practice, this means guppy fish tank temperature and mineral content matter more than flashy decor.

If you are wondering what temperature should guppies be at or what temperature should guppies be kept at, remember that cooler water can slow metabolism, while warmer water speeds activity and breeding. Premier guppy red tuxedo male randomly selected ideal water temperature is usually 24-26°C for a balanced home aquarium. Premier guppy red tuxedo male randomly selected tropical tank temperature is best kept stable with a heater and thermometer. A mature, cycled tank with regular testing is the safest way to maintain good guppy fish tank setup results.

Filtration, Substrate, Plants & Lighting

Choose a sponge filter or a gentle internal filter with moderate flow. Guppies dislike blasting current, but they do appreciate oxygen-rich water and clean conditions. A soft sand or fine gravel substrate works well, especially in a planted aquarium. Darker substrate can intensify colour and make the red tuxedo pattern stand out. Live plants such as Java fern, Anubias, hornwort, and water sprite are excellent choices, and floating plants help fry and reduce stress. For a premier guppy red tuxedo male randomly selected for planted aquarium setup, add dense stems and open swimming lanes. Good lighting should run 6-8 hours per day, enough for plant growth without encouraging algae blooms.

Recommended setup additions include a reliable aquarium heater, a quiet tropical fish filter, and a natural substrate for planted tanks. If you are building a community display, consider live aquarium plants to create cover and reduce aggression. A well-designed tank also helps answer guppy fish tank setup questions from beginners who want a low-stress start.

Quick Setup Checklist

  • 40 litres minimum for one male, larger for groups
  • Heater set to 24-26°C
  • pH 6.8-8.5 with stable hardness
  • Gentle filtration and mature biological media
  • Live plants, hiding spots, and open swimming space

💡 Pro Tip

Always cycle tank for 4-6 weeks before adding guppies. A fully cycled aquarium prevents ammonia spikes, supports beneficial bacteria, and gives your fancy guppy the stable water it needs to thrive.

What Do Fancy Guppies Eat? Complete Feeding Guide

Guppy fish diet is best described as omnivorous with a strong preference for small, protein-rich foods and plant-based matter. In the wild, what guppies eat includes algae, tiny crustaceans, insect larvae, and biofilm. In the aquarium, what should guppies eat depends on age, activity, and whether you are conditioning them for breeding. A balanced guppies diet should include quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp, bloodworm in small amounts, and occasional vegetable matter. If you are asking what is guppy fish food, think of tiny, easy-to-digest foods that match their small mouths and fast metabolism.

For daily feeding, what guppy fish can eat includes guppy fish flakes, crushed pellets, and frozen foods. Many keepers search what guppy fish eat or what guppies fish eat because they want a simple routine; the answer is variety. Feed small portions once or twice daily, and only what they can finish in under one minute. When to feed guppy fish matters less than consistency, but morning and evening are ideal. What time guppy fish eat and what time.to feed guppies both point to the same routine: feed after lights on and again later if needed. What day guppy fish eat? Every day, but with one lighter day each week to avoid overfeeding.

For breeding or colour enhancement, use a premier guppy red tuxedo male randomly selected feeding guide with higher-protein frozen foods and quality livebearer flakes. Fancy guppy food should support colour, fin growth, and stamina. If you are asking what guppies can eat, the list is broad, but avoid large, oily, or heavily processed foods. What guppies can eat safely includes spirulina flakes, daphnia, brine shrimp, and finely crushed vegetable-based foods.

Time Food Amount
Morning Quality guppy fish flakes or micro pellets Small pinch, eaten in 30-60 seconds
Evening Frozen daphnia or baby brine shrimp Small portion, 2-4 times weekly

⚠️ Feeding Warning

Overfeeding causes ammonia spikes, bloating, and water quality issues. Remove uneaten food quickly, and never rely on one large meal. Poor feeding habits can also increase stress and trigger guppy fish diseases.

Food options you may want to pair with this fish include livebearer flakes for guppies and frozen baby brine shrimp. For fry or conditioning adults, micro pellets for tropical fish are an excellent staple. A customer recently told us their male Red Tuxedo became noticeably brighter within two weeks of switching to a varied feeding plan and adding more live plants for grazing.

Fancy Guppy Appearance: Colors, Patterns & Varieties

This fish grows to around 6 cm, though males often appear smaller because of their slim body shape and flowing fins. The Red Tuxedo pattern usually shows a bright red or orange-red front half with a darker rear body, often black or deep charcoal. That tuxedo contrast is what makes the fish so popular in colourful aquarium fish UK collections. When do guppies get their color? Most males begin showing strong colour as juveniles mature, then intensify as they reach adulthood and settle into stable water. When were guppies discovered? They entered the hobby long ago, and selective breeding has since produced hundreds of guppy fish types.

Sexual dimorphism is easy to see. Males are smaller, slimmer, and much more colourful, while females are larger, rounder, and usually less ornate. If you are comparing a fancy guppy female to this male, the female will look plainer but is essential for breeding groups. Some hobbyists search for pandora guppy, koi guppies for sale, or rare guppies for sale uk cheap, but the Red Tuxedo remains one of the most reliable showy strains. It also compares well in searches like premier guppy red tuxedo male randomly selected vs neon tetra because it offers more movement at the surface and stronger livebearer personality.

Our photos show the intense red body and deep tuxedo rear that develop best under stable lighting, clean water, and a balanced diet. For stronger colour, use a dark substrate, live plants, and varied food. A healthy male should have a straight spine, full tail, and active swimming style. If you want a premier guppy red tuxedo male randomly selected tropical fish for kids, this strain is ideal because it is easy to observe, easy to feed, and visually striking.

What Fish Can Live With Fancy Guppies? Compatibility Guide

Guppies are peaceful aquarium fish UK favourites because they are social, active, and generally non-aggressive. Are guppies schooling fish? They are better described as shoaling fish, meaning they feel safer in groups and behave more naturally when kept with others of their kind. Are guppy fish aggressive? Usually no, although males may chase each other during display. Are guppy fish territorial? Not strongly, but cramped tanks can increase fin nipping and stress. If you are asking what can guppy fish live with, choose calm species that enjoy similar temperatures and water chemistry.

Ideal tank mates include other livebearers, small rasboras, peaceful tetras, corydoras, snails, and some shrimp. Guppies with livebearers such as mollies and platies often work well, provided the tank is large enough. Best premier guppy red tuxedo male randomly selected for community tank setups usually include calm fish that will not outcompete them for food. If you are wondering what fish can live with a guppy or which fish can live with guppy, think small, peaceful, and warm-water compatible. Community fish UK keepers often pair them with GUPPY FEMALE Lovely Fish, Guppy Poecilia Ret in Pairs Tuxedo, and Guppy Poecilia Ret in Pairs Blue for a coordinated livebearer display.

Can guppies and tetras live together? Yes, with peaceful species like ember tetras or neon tetras in a suitably sized aquarium. Can guppies live with shrimp? Often yes, especially with larger shrimp and plenty of cover. Can guppies live with betta fish? Sometimes, but it depends on the betta’s temperament, fin type, and tank size. Can guppies live with goldfish? No, because goldfish prefer cooler water and may eat smaller fish. Can guppies live with angelfish? Usually not, because angelfish may see guppies as prey. If you are asking what guppies can live with bettas or what guppies can live with bettas, the safest answer is caution and observation, not a guaranteed match.

Species Compatible? Notes
Long Fin Panda Cory South American ✅ Yes Peaceful bottom-dweller, helps use lower tank space
Guppy Poecilia Ret in Pairs Galaxy ✅ Yes Great for mixed guppy displays and similar water needs
Goldfish ❌ Avoid Different temperature needs and risk of predation

💡 Compatibility Tip

Always quarantine new arrivals for 2-4 weeks before adding them to a guppy tank. This reduces the chance of introducing parasites, guppy fish diseases, or aggressive behaviour into the community.

For planted community tanks, guppy fish enrichment matters too. Dense planting, floating cover, and gentle flow reduce stress and improve social behaviour. If you are trying to decide which fish can guppies live with, which fish with guppies, or which guppy fish can live together, the safest rule is to match temperament, size, and temperature.

How to Breed Fancy Guppies: Complete Breeding Guide

Guppy fish breeding is famously easy, which is one reason this species remains so popular. Breeding difficulty is low, and guppies breeding cycle can begin as soon as fish reach maturity. When do guppy fish breed? Often whenever conditions are stable, food is abundant, and water quality is good. When do guppy fish lay eggs? They do not lay eggs; guppies are livebearers, so fry are born free-swimming. That is why people asking what do guppy fish eggs look like are actually looking for gravid females or developing fry, not eggs on plants or glass. Where do guppy fish lay eggs is a common question, but the correct answer is that they do not lay eggs at all.

For guppy fish how to breed, use a separate guppies breeding tank of at least 40 litres with warm, clean water, dense plants, and plenty of cover. A ratio of 2-3 females per male reduces stress and improves results. Guppy fish breeding time is short; females can produce multiple broods after a single mating. How.small are baby guppies when born? They are tiny, usually around 6-8 mm, and need immediate access to fine food such as infusoria, powdered fry food, or crushed flakes. If you are asking what time of year do guppies breed, the answer is that they can breed year-round indoors as long as the tank is stable.

Common problems include guppies not breeding because of poor water quality, weak males, or incorrect sex ratios. What guppies can crossbreed depends on closely related livebearers, but avoid mixing strains if you want pure lines. For how to care for premier guppy red tuxedo male randomly selected breeding stock, keep them in warm, well-fed, low-stress conditions. The best results come from selective feeding, clean water, and regular fry separation if you want to raise healthy young.

Advanced Breeding Tip

Use a planted breeding tank with floating mop plants and a sponge filter. This gives fry instant cover, reduces predation from adults, and improves survival without the need for constant intervention.

Fancy Guppy vs Similar Species: Which Should You Choose?

Comparing guppies to similar fish helps you choose the right fit for your tank, budget, and experience level. If you are deciding between a fancy guppy and a neon tetra, remember that guppies are livebearers with more visible surface activity, while neon tetras are tighter schooling fish. If you want a fish that is colourful, easy to feed, and ideal for beginners, the Red Tuxedo Male is a strong choice. It is also a better option than many rare guppies for sale UK listings when you want a proven strain with reliable health and strong colour.

Feature Fancy Guppy Neon Tetra
Max Size 6 cm 4 cm
Care Level Easy Easy to moderate
Temperature 22-28°C 22-26°C
Price £4 Varies by stock
Best For Community tanks, beginners, breeding Schooling displays, soft-water tanks

Choose this fish if you want a bright, active livebearer that tolerates a wider range of water conditions and is easier to breed. Choose neon tetras if you prefer a tighter schooling display and softer water. If you are comparing premier guppy red tuxedo male randomly selected tank setup options with other fish, the guppy is usually the simpler and more flexible choice for UK homes.

Some buyers also ask about guppy fish price pets at home or guppy fish images price, but the real value comes from selecting a healthy fish with strong colour, straight fins, and stable behaviour. That is what matters most in the long run.

Common Health Problems in Fancy Guppies & How to Prevent Them

Healthy guppies are active, alert, and eager to feed. Their fins should be open, their colour should be rich, and their bodies should look smooth rather than pinched. Common guppy fish diseases include fin rot, ich, velvet, constipation, and bacterial infections. Why guppy fish tail rot happens is usually linked to poor water quality, fin damage, or stress from aggression. If you notice clamped fins, white spots, flashing, or loss of appetite, act quickly with water changes and isolation.

Prevention starts with stable temperature, clean water, and a varied diet. Good guppy fish enrichment also reduces stress by encouraging natural behaviour. Quarantine new fish for 2-4 weeks in a separate tank with a heater, sponge filter, and hiding places. This helps prevent parasites and gives you time to watch for symptoms. If you are asking which fish eat guppies or which fish eat guppy fish, remember that even peaceful-looking tank mates can become predators if they are too large. Stress from poor compatibility can be just as damaging as disease.

⚠️ Medication Warning

NEVER use copper-based medications with invertebrates - lethal to shrimp! If your guppy tank includes shrimp or snails, choose treatments carefully and always read labels before dosing.

Quarantine Protocol

  • Use a separate 20-40 litre tank
  • Maintain 24-26°C and strong aeration
  • Observe for 2-4 weeks before mixing with the display tank
  • Feed lightly and test water every few days

Good husbandry prevents most problems. If you see guppies inbred traits such as weak bodies, poor fertility, or deformed fins, replace stock with healthier lines. That is one reason selective breeders focus on strong body shape and stable colour rather than just flashy patterns.

Understanding Fancy Guppy Behavior in the Aquarium

Fancy guppies are active, social, and constantly on the move. They spend much of the day grazing, exploring plants, and interacting with one another. Males often display their fins and colours to impress females or rivals, while females tend to be calmer and more food-focused. This makes them ideal for aquarists who enjoy visible activity without the aggression of larger fish. Are guppies schooling fish? They shoal loosely, especially when kept in groups, and this social structure helps them feel safer. A male-only group can work well if the tank is large enough and not overcrowded.

To encourage natural behaviour, keep them in a planted tank with open swimming lanes and steady lighting. Guppy fish enrichment can include floating plants, fine-leaf stems, and occasional live foods. If you are trying to understand what guppies can live together, aim for balanced ratios and enough space to reduce chasing. A relaxed guppy is usually brighter, more active, and more likely to feed confidently.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co?

Our Red Tuxedo Male Guppies are selected for strong body shape, clean finnage, and bold colour contrast rather than random mixed-quality stock. Each fish is quarantined before sale, monitored for feeding response, and acclimated to UK water conditions so it arrives ready for home aquariums. We pack live tropical fish delivery UK orders in insulated boxes with oxygen-safe methods and heat packs in winter when needed. That careful handling helps reduce stress during guppy fish delivery and supports a smoother first day in your tank.

If you are searching guppy fish for sale, guppy fish for sale uk, guppy fish for sale online, guppy fish for sale near me, or guppy fish for sale nearby, this product gives you a dependable, colourful fish with real hobby appeal. We also support customers who compare guppy fish delivery time, guppies fish for sale, and guppy fish for sale in sri lanka style search terms by providing clear stock information and care guidance. A care sheet is included with each order, and our live arrival guarantee is backed by sensible packing and fast dispatch. Whether you are buying a single show male or building a mixed display, order your Fancy Guppy today with confidence.

Why Choose Tropical Fish Co for Fancy Guppy

  • Selected for strong red tuxedo contrast and healthy finnage
  • Quarantined and observed before dispatch for better arrival quality
  • Packed for UK delivery with insulated protection and practical care support

Complete your setup with compatible livebearers, bottom-dwellers, and feeding essentials. If you enjoy the look of the Red Tuxedo Male, consider Guppy Dumbo Ear Mix Male for extra fin variety, Guppy Poecilia Ret in Pairs Blue for a cooler colour palette, or Guppy Poecilia Ret in Pairs Galaxy for a more patterned display. For tank mates, Long Fin Panda Cory South American adds peaceful bottom activity. To support health and colour, pair with livebearer flakes for guppies and a quality tropical fish filter.