Tuxedo Koi Guppies

🧬 Origins and Classification

• Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata (Tuxedo Koi strain)
• Family: Poeciliidae (Livebearers)
• Origin: Descended from wild guppies native to South America (Brazil, Trinidad, and Venezuela). The Tuxedo Koi Guppy is a selectively bred ornamental strain known for its koi-style facial markings and bold tuxedo color contrast.
• Popularity: Highly popular due to its striking red/orange koi face mask combined with a dark tuxedo-patterned body, making it a favorite in display aquariums.

---

🎨 Appearance

• Color:
  • Koi-style red/orange head (mask marking).
  • Bold black or deep navy tuxedo body in the middle section.
  • White, yellow, or orange tail depending on the specific line.
• Structure:
  • Males show a slimmer body with larger, more vibrant fins.
  • Females are rounder with softer color but still show the tuxedo marking.
  • Tail types may include delta, fan, or round tail.
• Size:
  • Males: 1.2–1.5 inches (3–4 cm)
  • Females: 2–2.5 inches (5–6 cm)
• Lifespan: 2–3 years with stable warm water.

---

🏡 Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons; ideal in small groups.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
  • pH: 7.0–7.8
  • Hardness: 8–20 dGH
• Lighting: Moderate to bright, enhances the koi head color and tuxedo contrast.
• Substrate: Light-colored sand or fine gravel helps colors stand out.
• Habitat Setup:
  • Add live plants like Java Moss, Anubias, Hornwort, or Water Sprite.
  • Provide hiding spots for fry.
  • Use gentle filtration — guppies prefer low flow.

---

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivorous.
• Foods:
  • High-quality micro pellets or guppy flakes.
  • Color-enhancing foods: spirulina, brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms.
  • Occasional veggie foods (blanched peas or zucchini).
• Feeding Tips: Feed 2–3 small meals daily.

---

🤝 Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament: Peaceful, active, social.
• Tank Mates:
  • Ideal with tetras, rasboras, mollies, platies, corydoras, shrimp, and other peaceful fish.
  • Avoid fin-nippers like tiger barbs.
• Grouping: Best kept in trios (1 male with 2–3 females).
• Behavior: Vibrant swimmers with constant movement and color display.

---

💡 Care Notes

• Maintain warm, clean water for best koi-head coloration.
• Provide high-quality protein to develop strong red/orange mask color.
• Perform weekly 20–30% water changes.
• Tuxedo Koi Guppies add a stunning combination of koi-style head markings and tuxedo body contrast, making them one of the most eye-catching guppy types.