Tarzan Guppy: The Wild Beauty of the Aquatic World

When it comes to freshwater aquarium fish, guppies reign supreme due to their stunning colors, easy care, and endless variety. Among the many types, the Tarzan Guppy has started capturing attention in the aquarist community. Known for its striking appearance and vigorous behavior, the Tarzan Guppy is an exciting addition to any tank setup.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Tarzan Guppies—from origin and traits to tank care, breeding, and frequently asked questions.

What is a Tarzan Guppy?

The Tarzan Guppy is a selectively bred strain of guppy (Poecilia reticulata), named for its wild, rugged patterns and energetic behavior that resemble the adventurous spirit of the fictional jungle hero, Tarzan. Though not a wild guppy by scientific classification, its colorations and vitality give it a raw, untamed allure, distinguishing it from the more refined show strains.

This guppy is relatively rare in commercial stores but is growing in popularity among guppy enthusiasts and breeders for its unique coloration, hardiness, and distinctive tail design.

Characteristics of the Tarzan Guppy

1. Coloration

Tarzan Guppies typically showcase a camouflage-like pattern that mimics the colors of the forest floor or a riverbed. You may notice:

• Earth tones such as greens, browns, and deep oranges
• Mottled or marbled body patterns
• Occasionally highlighted with neon streaks or metallic scales

2. Tail Shape

Most Tarzan Guppies exhibit wild-type or delta tails, often with jagged or uneven edges, enhancing their rugged appeal. The tail is not necessarily large like fancy guppies, but its movement and shape evoke agility and natural elegance.

3. Size

• Males: Typically 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 – 5 cm)
• Females: Slightly larger, up to 2.5 inches (6.3 cm)

4. Temperament

Energetic, curious, and social—Tarzan Guppies live up to their name. They are:

• Active swimmers
• Compatible with peaceful tank mates
• Easily trained to recognize feeding routines

Origin and Breeding

While the Tarzan Guppy isn’t a wild-caught fish, it’s believed to be a hybrid strain derived from wild-type guppies and selectively bred ornamental strains. Breeders aimed to combine the natural resilience of wild guppies with the visual flair of show guppies, creating a fish that thrives in diverse environments.

The strain is still relatively new and evolving, with ongoing crossbreeding to stabilize the colors and tail patterns. Enthusiasts who prefer more naturalistic or biotope tanks often choose the Tarzan Guppy for its raw aesthetic.

Ideal Tank Setup for Tarzan Guppies

Providing the right environment is crucial for their health and coloration. Here’s how to set up a tank that mirrors their naturalistic vibe.

1. Tank Size

• Minimum: 10 gallons for a trio (1 male, 2 females)
• Ideal: 20 gallons or more to allow free swimming and minimize territorial behavior

2. Water Parameters

3. Filtration and Aeration

• Use a sponge filter or gentle hang-on-back filter
• Provide adequate oxygenation, especially in warmer water

4. Lighting

Moderate lighting enhances the guppy’s natural colors. Avoid harsh light, as it can stress the fish.

5. Substrate and Decor

To reflect their “jungle” theme:

• Use dark gravel or sand
• Add driftwood, rocks, and dense plants like:
  • Guppy grass
  • Java moss
  • Hornwort
  • Amazon sword

6. Tank Mates

Tarzan Guppies do well with:

• Corydoras catfish
• Tetras (Neon, Ember, Rummy Nose)
• Mollies
• Platies
• Snails (Nerite, Mystery)

Avoid:

• Fin-nipping species like Tiger Barbs
• Large aggressive cichlids

Feeding Tarzan Guppies

A varied diet is key to maintaining their health and boosting coloration.

Recommended Foods:

• High-quality flakes or pellets (guppy-specific)
• Frozen or live foods:
  • Daphnia
  • Brine shrimp
  • Bloodworms
• Vegetables (boiled peas, spinach, cucumber slices)

Feed 2–3 times daily, in small amounts they can consume within 2 minutes.

Breeding Tarzan Guppies

Like all guppies, the Tarzan Guppy is live-bearing and relatively easy to breed. However, careful selection helps preserve the strain’s unique features.

Steps to Breed:

1. Select a healthy breeding trio (1 male, 2 females)
2. Provide hiding spaces for fry using dense plants or breeding boxes
3. Maintain stable water conditions
4. Females can give birth every 28–30 days, producing 20–40 fry

Caring for Fry:

• Separate fry from adults to avoid predation
• Feed with powdered fry food or baby brine shrimp
• Perform frequent water changes to maintain high water quality

Health and Common Issues

1. Fin Rot

Caused by poor water quality or fin-nipping. Treat with:

• Improved tank hygiene
• Antibacterial medications

2. Ich (White Spot Disease)

Symptoms: white cysts on skin or fins, rubbing against objects.

• Raise temperature gradually to 82°F
• Use ich-specific treatments

3. Internal Parasites

Look for weight loss despite eating.

• Treat with anti-parasitic medications

Prevention Tips:

• Quarantine new fish
• Avoid overfeeding
• Maintain a strict cleaning schedule

Why Choose the Tarzan Guppy?

1. Visual Appeal

Tarzan Guppies bring a naturalistic charm to any aquarium. Their wild coloration adds contrast to more vivid strains.

2. Hardiness

Their partly wild lineage makes them more adaptable to water changes and minor fluctuations.

3. Activity Level

They are constantly on the move, making your tank lively and dynamic.

4. Breeding Projects

Ideal for aquarists who enjoy selective breeding and developing new strains.

Types Of Tarzan Guppy

Tarzan Guppy” is a name that typically refers to a guppy variety with wild or jungle-like coloration and patterns, reminiscent of Tarzan’s association with the wild. While “Tarzan Guppy” isn’t a standardized category in guppy taxonomy, hobbyists and breeders often use the term to describe guppies that have specific traits such as:

• Wild-type patterns and coloration
• Earthy or natural tones (greens, browns, silvers)
• Strong, active body shapes
• Jungle camouflage-like spotting or striping

Here are the commonly known types or variations that might fall under the “Tarzan Guppy” label in the aquarium trade or hobbyist groups:

🔹 1. Green Tarzan Guppy

• Dominant green or olive-colored body
• Black or brown markings
• Mimics the look of jungle foliage
• Hardy and active swimmers

🔹 2. Wild-Type Tarzan Guppy

• Resembles wild guppies found in natural streams of South America
• Silver-gray body with black speckling or tail markings
• Smaller and leaner than show guppies
• Excellent for breeding programs and hardy tanks

🔹 3. Metallic Tarzan Guppy

• Shimmering body with metallic sheen (gold, bronze, or green)
• Often has jungle-themed tail patterning
• Strong iridescence when light hits the scales

🔹 4. Leopard Tarzan Guppy

• Leopard-like spots on tail and body
• Jungle-camouflage appearance
• Often paired with a green or yellow body

🔹 5. Tiger Tarzan Guppy

• Bold stripes across the body and tail
• Orange, black, and green color combinations
• Highly active and striking in planted tanks

🔹 6. Mosaic Tarzan Guppy

• Mosaic tail pattern with earth-tone colors (green, yellow, brown)
• Often features a wild body base with complex tail coloration
• Visually rich and genetically diverse

Buying Tarzan Guppies: What to Look For

If you’re looking to purchase Tarzan Guppies, here are some buying tips:

• Source from reputable breeders or online sellers
• Look for active, alert fish with no signs of illness
• Check the tail shape and body pattern to ensure it matches the strain
• Avoid fish with faded colors, clamped fins, or labored breathing

FAQs About Tarzan Guppies

Q1: Are Tarzan Guppies a real guppy strain?

Yes. Though not officially classified by major guppy societies, Tarzan Guppies are recognized by hobbyists as a unique hybrid strain that emphasizes wild-type aesthetics.

Q2: Can I keep Tarzan Guppies with fancy guppies?

Yes, but be aware that interbreeding will occur. If you wish to preserve the Tarzan strain, keep them in a separate breeding tank.

Q3: How long do Tarzan Guppies live?

Typically 2 to 3 years, depending on genetics, water quality, and diet.

Q4: Do they require a heater?

If your room temperature drops below 72°F (22°C), it’s advisable to use a heater to maintain stability.

Q5: Are they suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Tarzan Guppies are resilient and low-maintenance, making them perfect for first-time fish keepers.

Q6: Can Tarzan Guppies jump?

Yes, like most guppies, they can jump. Always use a lid or cover to prevent escapes.

Q7: How can I enhance their color?

• Feed a high-protein diet with carotenoids
• Provide dark substrates and live plants
• Ensure low-stress conditions

Conclusion

The Tarzan Guppy is a fascinating addition to the world of guppy breeding. With its wild appearance, energetic nature, and ease of care, it serves both aesthetic and practical purposes in aquariums. Whether you’re a seasoned aquarist or a beginner exploring the guppy universe, the Tarzan Guppy offers something fresh and compelling.

By understanding their needs, you can ensure a thriving, vibrant tank full of life and color. So if you’re looking to bring a touch of the jungle into your aquarium, the Tarzan Guppy may just be the perfect choice.