Origins and Classification
- Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata (Metallic Round Tail strain)
- Family: Poeciliidae
- Origin: Descended from wild guppies native to South America (Brazil, Trinidad, Venezuela). This ornamental variety is selectively bred for its metallic body sheen and rounded tail shape, combined with a striking red tail.
- Popularity: Popular for its super bright red tail, shiny metallic body, and unique round tail — making it stand out from delta or fan-tail strains.
🎨 Appearance
- Color:
- Body shows a metallic silver, gold, or platinum sheen.
- Tail is solid bright red or red with slight gradients.
- Dorsal fin may also show hints of red or metallic highlights.
- Structure:
- Classic guppy shape with a rounded “coin-shaped” tail instead of long flowing fins.
- Males: slimmer, more vibrant, and more metallic.
- Females: larger, softer coloration but still display the red 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 conditions.
🏡 Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
- pH: 6.8–7.8
- Hardness: 8–20 dGH
- Lighting: Moderate to bright — enhances their metallic shimmer.
- Substrate: Sand or fine gravel works best.
- Habitat Setup:
- Provide live plants such as Java Moss, Hornwort, Water Sprite.
- Leave open swimming space.
- Gentle filtration — avoid strong currents.
🍽️ Diet
- Type: Omnivorous.
- Foods:
- High-quality guppy flakes or micro pellets.
- Color-enhancing foods: brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms.
- Occasional spirulina and blanched veggies.
- Feeding Tips:
- Feed 2–3 small meals per day.
🤝 Behavior and Compatibility
- Temperament: Peaceful, active, social.
- Tank Mates:
- Excellent with tetras, rasboras, mollies, platies, corydoras, shrimp, and snails.
- Avoid fin-nipping species.
- Grouping:
- Keep in trios (1 male with 2–3 females).
- Behavior: Constant swimmers with beautiful shimmer and red flashes.
💡 Care Notes
- Metallic strains show best shine under clean, well-lit conditions.
- Provide plenty of plants for fry hiding.
- Perform weekly 20–30% water changes.
- A beautiful combination of metallic shine + vibrant red tail, making the RedTail Metal Round Tail Guppy a standout in any aquarium.
