Pink Tuxedo Guppy: Price, Breeding, Feeding And Lifespan -

The Pink Tuxedo Guppy is a dazzling and sought-after variant in the guppy world. With its vibrant pink hues and tuxedo-style tail coloration, this fish is not just a beauty—it’s also a favorite among both novice and experienced aquarists. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Pink Tuxedo Guppy, including its appearance, care requirements, breeding behavior, ideal tank setup, and more.

Table of Contents

What is a Pink Tuxedo Guppy?

The Pink Tuxedo Guppy is a selectively bred guppy variety (Poecilia reticulata) known for its striking coloration. This guppy gets its name from its pink front half and the contrasting darker or tuxedo-patterned rear half. The tail often features black, dark blue, or purplish shades, creating the appearance of a “tuxedo.”

Guppies are native to South America but have been selectively bred worldwide for ornamental aquarium use. The Pink Tuxedo is a relatively newer addition to the guppy family, making waves in the aquascaping and freshwater fish community due to its unique color palette.

Appearance and Characteristics

1. Coloration

Front Body: Bright to pastel pink, sometimes with a peach undertone.
Rear Body and Tail: Tuxedo pattern in dark blue, purple, or black.
Fins: Dorsal and caudal fins may have speckled patterns or gradients.

2. Size

Males typically grow up to 1.5 inches.
Females can grow larger, up to 2.5 inches.

3. Lifespan

Average lifespan is 2 to 3 years in optimal conditions.

4. Behavior

Peaceful, social, and active swimmers.
Prefer swimming in groups and make excellent community fish.

Why Choose a Pink Tuxedo Guppy?

Aesthetic Appeal

Their vibrant coloration makes them stand out in any freshwater setup. Whether in a planted tank or minimalist aquarium, their pink and dark-toned contrast is captivating.

Hardy and Beginner-Friendly

Guppies are among the hardiest freshwater species. They adapt well to different water parameters, making them perfect for beginner aquarists.

Prolific Breeders

If you’re interested in breeding guppies, the Pink Tuxedo offers a great opportunity. With proper care, they reproduce easily and often.

Tank Setup for Pink Tuxedo Guppies

To ensure the health and vibrancy of your Pink Tuxedo Guppies, it’s crucial to provide a suitable tank environment.

1. Tank Size

A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for a small group.
Larger tanks are better for breeding or community setups.

2. Water Parameters

Temperature: 72°F – 82°F (22°C – 28°C)
pH: 6.8 – 7.8
Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH

3. Filtration

Use a gentle filter like a sponge or hang-on-back filter.
Guppies do not fare well in tanks with strong currents.

4. Substrate and Decor

Sand or fine gravel substrate works best.
Add live or artificial plants, caves, and rocks for enrichment and hiding spaces.

5. Lighting

Moderate lighting enhances their coloration.
Too much light can stress the fish or promote algae growth.

Diet and Nutrition

Pink Tuxedo Guppies are omnivores, requiring a balanced diet of protein and plant matter.

Recommended Diet:

Flake Food: High-quality guppy flakes enriched with vitamins.
Live/Frozen Food: Brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae.
Vegetable Matter: Blanched spinach, spirulina, or algae wafers.

Feeding Frequency:

Feed small portions 1–2 times a day.
Remove uneaten food to prevent water quality issues.

Pink Tuxedo Guppy Breeding Guide

Guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs. The Pink Tuxedo Guppy is prolific and easy to breed under the right conditions.

Breeding Conditions:

Raise the temperature slightly (78°F – 80°F).
Use a breeding box or separate breeding tank.
Maintain a male-to-female ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 to prevent stress on females.

Gestation and Fry Care:

Gestation lasts around 21–30 days.
Females can give birth to 20–50 fry per cycle.
Use fine-leaved plants or breeding grass for fry protection.
Feed fry with infusoria, baby brine shrimp, or crushed flakes.

Tank Mates for Pink Tuxedo Guppies

These guppies are peaceful and coexist well with many community fish. Avoid aggressive species or fin-nippers.

Compatible Tank Mates:

Neon Tetras
Corydoras Catfish
Mollies
Swordtails
Platies
Snails and Shrimp (with caution)

Avoid:

Tiger Barbs
Betta Fish (depending on temperament)
Cichlids
Larger aggressive fish

Common Health Issues

Though hardy, Pink Tuxedo Guppies are prone to a few common health issues.

1. Ich (White Spot Disease)

Caused by parasites, appearing as tiny white spots.
Treat with elevated temperature and aquarium salt or Ich-specific medication.

2. Fin Rot

Fins appear frayed and discolored.
Usually caused by bacterial infections and poor water quality.

3. Swim Bladder Disorder

Fish swims erratically or floats upside down.
Often due to overfeeding or constipation.

Prevention Tips:

Perform weekly 25-30% water changes.
Quarantine new fish for at least 2 weeks.
Avoid overfeeding and remove uneaten food promptly.

Tips for Enhancing Pink Tuxedo Guppy Color

Proper Nutrition: Feed color-enhancing foods with carotenoids.
Optimal Lighting: Moderate light showcases the pink hues beautifully.
Stress Reduction: Avoid overcrowding and provide hiding spaces.
Selective Breeding: If breeding, choose the most vibrant individuals for best offspring results.

Where to Buy Pink Tuxedo Guppies

You can find Pink Tuxedo Guppies at:

Local aquarium stores
Online aquarium retailers
Guppy breeders and hobbyist groups

Make sure you’re purchasing from a reputable source to ensure the fish are healthy and free from diseases.

Pink Tuxedo Guppy Price

Prices vary depending on age, color intensity, and source:

Juveniles: $3 – $5 each
Adult Males: $5 – $10
Breeding Pairs: $10 – $20+

Rare strains with premium coloration or from reputable breeders may command higher prices.

Types of Pink Tuxedo Guppy

1. Standard Pink Tuxedo Guppy
This is the most common variety featuring a soft pink body with the characteristic “tuxedo” dark coloration on the rear half. Males display vibrant colors and an elegant contrast.

2. Pink Tuxedo Dumbo Ear Guppy
This type features enlarged pectoral fins (like “ears”), often in pastel or translucent tones. The combination of the Dumbo Ear trait with the pink tuxedo coloration makes it visually striking.

3. Pink Tuxedo Mosaic Guppy
Recognized for its unique tail pattern, the Pink Tuxedo Mosaic has a blend of pink and dark mosaic-like spots on the tail fin. The pattern adds a dynamic flair to its appearance.

4. Pink Tuxedo Lace Guppy
This variation includes delicate lace-like patterns on the tail and dorsal fins, overlaid on the base pink and tuxedo body, giving it a refined, ornamental look.

5. Pink Tuxedo Halfmoon Guppy
Known for its large, semicircular tail fin, this guppy combines the pink tuxedo coloration with the dramatic fan shape of the halfmoon tail.

6. Pink Tuxedo Grass Guppy
This type showcases fine grass-like speckles on its tail fin, usually dark against a light pink background, creating a soft, flowing appearance.

7. Pink Tuxedo Albino Guppy
A rarer variety, the albino version of the Pink Tuxedo Guppy lacks melanin, giving it a pale pink body and red or pink eyes, with a softer tuxedo contrast.

Final Thoughts

The Pink Tuxedo Guppy is more than just a pretty fish—it’s a manageable, resilient, and delightful addition to any freshwater aquarium. Its soft pink hues combined with the bold tuxedo pattern make it a standout specimen. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned aquarist, this guppy can bring color, activity, and even a little bit of elegance to your tank.

With proper care, feeding, and an ideal tank setup, your Pink Tuxedo Guppies will thrive and potentially reward you with generations of beautiful fry.

FAQs about Pink Tuxedo Guppies

1. Are Pink Tuxedo Guppies rare?

While not the rarest, they are considered unique due to their coloration. Availability may vary by region and breeder.

2. Can I keep Pink Tuxedo Guppies with shrimp?

Yes, guppies can coexist with shrimp like cherry shrimp, but fry may be at risk of being eaten by adult guppies.

3. How many Pink Tuxedo Guppies can I keep in a 10-gallon tank?

You can comfortably house 5–6 guppies in a 10-gallon tank. Keep a 1:2 male-to-female ratio to reduce aggression.

4. Do Pink Tuxedo Guppies change color over time?

Yes, juveniles may become more vibrant as they mature. Water quality, diet, and genetics influence color development.

5. Can I breed Pink Tuxedo Guppies with other guppies?

Yes, they can interbreed with other guppy strains. However, the offspring may not retain the distinct pink tuxedo pattern unless selectively bred.

6. How do I tell male and female Pink Tuxedo Guppies apart?

Males are smaller with brighter colors and a pointed anal fin (gonopodium). Females are larger, rounder, and have a gravid spot near the abdomen.

7. What’s the best tank temperature for Pink Tuxedo Guppies?

Maintain temperatures between 72°F and 82°F. A consistent 78°F is ideal for both display and breeding.

8. Do Pink Tuxedo Guppies need a heater?

Yes, especially if your room temperature falls below 72°F. A heater helps maintain stable conditions.