By weeebooo70@gmail.com 
Aquarium enthusiasts are always on the lookout for unique and colorful fish to brighten their tanks. Among the many varieties of guppies and Endlers, the Tuxedo Endler Guppy stands out as a striking hybrid. With its shimmering colors and tuxedo-like pattern, this guppy brings elegance and liveliness to any freshwater aquarium.
This article explores everything you need to know about the Tuxedo Endler Guppy—from its origin and appearance to tank setup, diet, breeding, and common health issues. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned aquarist, this comprehensive guide will help you successfully keep and enjoy this beautiful fish.
What is a Tuxedo Endler Guppy?
The Tuxedo Endler Guppy is a selectively bred hybrid of the Endler’s Livebearer (Poecilia wingei) and the common guppy (Poecilia reticulata). This cross results in a fish that combines the vivid coloration of Endlers with the wide variety of patterns found in guppies.
The name “Tuxedo” comes from the fish’s coloration—its body usually displays a dark rear half (like a tuxedo suit) contrasted with a bright front half in vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, or metallic tones. This gives it a formal yet dazzling appearance, making it a centerpiece in aquariums.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Poecilia wingei × Poecilia reticulata
- Common Name: Tuxedo Endler Guppy
- Family: Poeciliidae
- Origin: Hybrid (descended from South America)
- Size: 1–2 inches (males smaller, females larger)
- Lifespan: 2–3 years
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Breeding: Livebearer, prolific breeder
Appearance and Unique Features
The Tuxedo Endler Guppy is admired for its stylish tuxedo-like markings and vivid colors.
1. Body Pattern
- The back half of the fish is usually black or dark-colored, resembling a tuxedo suit.
- The front half can display bright reds, oranges, yellows, greens, or metallic shades.
2. Fin Shapes
Like guppies, Tuxedo Endlers come in various fin shapes:
- Delta Tail – Wide triangular fin.
- Round Tail – Smaller, rounded fin.
- Lyretail – Split fin resembling a lyre.
- Swordtail – Extended fin resembling a sword.
3. Size and Dimorphism
- Males: Slimmer, more colorful, smaller (1–1.2 inches).
- Females: Larger, less colorful, rounder (1.5–2 inches).
4. Color Variations
Breeders have developed multiple color varieties within the tuxedo pattern, making them highly sought after by hobbyists.
Why Choose Tuxedo Endler Guppies?
There are several reasons aquarists love this hybrid variety:
- Striking Appearance – The tuxedo coloration is rare and eye-catching.
- Hardy Fish – They adapt well to a wide range of water conditions.
- Peaceful Nature – Ideal for community aquariums.
- Beginner-Friendly – Easy to care for and breed.
- Genetic Diversity – Crossbreeding has created fascinating patterns.
- Small Size – Perfect for nano tanks or smaller aquariums.
- Active Behavior – Always swimming and displaying colors.
Tank Setup for Tuxedo Endler Guppy
Providing the right environment ensures that your Tuxedo Endler Guppies thrive.
1. Tank Size
- Minimum: 10 gallons for a small group.
- Ideal: 20+ gallons for colonies.
- Keep them in groups of at least 6 or more to reduce stress and encourage natural schooling behavior.
2. Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
- pH: 6.8–7.8
- Hardness: 8–12 dGH
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: < 20 ppm
3. Filtration and Aeration
- Sponge filters or gentle hang-on-back filters work best.
- Ensure good aeration since guppies are active swimmers.
4. Aquascaping
- Substrate: Fine gravel or sand.
- Plants: They thrive with live plants like Java Moss, Hornwort, and Water Sprite.
- Floating plants: Provide shade and protection for fry.
- Decorations: Add hiding spots with rocks or driftwood.
5. Lighting
- Moderate lighting enhances their bright tuxedo patterns.
- Too much light can cause stress, so balance it with floating plants.
6. Tank Mates
Tuxedo Endler Guppies are peaceful and can live with:
- Tetras (Neon, Ember, Cardinal)
- Corydoras Catfish
- Mollies, Platies, Swordtails
- Cherry Shrimp and Snails
Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species like tiger barbs or large cichlids.
Diet and Nutrition
Tuxedo Endler Guppies require a balanced and varied diet to maintain health and vibrant colors.
Recommended Foods:
- Flakes & Pellets – High-quality guppy or tropical fish flakes.
- Live Foods – Baby brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae.
- Frozen Foods – Bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex worms.
- Vegetables – Blanched spinach, zucchini, cucumber slices.
- Supplements – Spirulina for enhanced coloration.
Feed 2–3 times daily in small amounts that they can finish in under 2 minutes.
Breeding Tuxedo Endler Guppies
Like all guppies and Endlers, the Tuxedo Endler Guppy is a livebearer and breeds prolifically.
Steps for Breeding:
- Select Healthy Parents – Choose the brightest, most vibrant males and strong females.
- Breeding Tank – Use a separate 10–20 gallon tank with live plants for hiding.
- Gestation – Females carry fry for 21–30 days.
- Fry Birth – Females give birth to 20–50 fry per batch.
- Separation – Remove fry or provide dense plants to prevent adults from eating them.
Fry Care:
- Feed baby brine shrimp, micro worms, or powdered fry food.
- Keep water clean and stable with a sponge filter.
- Provide hiding spots to increase survival rates.
Selective Breeding:
To maintain the tuxedo pattern, breeders carefully pair males and females with the strongest coloration and markings.
Common Diseases and Health Issues
Even though Tuxedo Endler Guppies are hardy, they can still encounter some health problems.
1. Ich (White Spot Disease)
- Symptoms: White spots on fins and body.
- Treatment: Increase temperature gradually and treat with ich medication.
2. Fin Rot
- Cause: Bacterial infection from poor water quality.
- Solution: Improve water changes and use antibacterial treatments.
3. Swim Bladder Disorder
- Symptoms: Difficulty swimming or floating oddly.
- Solution: Fast the fish for a day and feed boiled peas.
4. Parasites
- Watch for flashing or scratching against objects.
- Treat with antiparasitic medication.
5. Stress
- Causes: Overcrowding, poor water quality, aggressive tank mates.
- Solution: Maintain stable conditions and provide hiding places.
Tips for Enhancing Their Colors
- Provide full-spectrum lighting.
- Feed a varied diet rich in carotenoids and spirulina.
- Maintain excellent water quality.
- Use dark substrates to make their tuxedo pattern stand out.
- Avoid stress and overcrowding.
Advantages of Keeping Tuxedo Endler Guppies
- Peaceful and beginner-friendly.
- Stunning tuxedo coloration makes them unique.
- Perfect for both nano and community tanks.
- Easy to breed and maintain.
- Active swimmers that bring constant movement.
Final Thoughts
The Tuxedo Endler Guppy is a beautiful and hardy hybrid that combines the best traits of guppies and Endlers. Its tuxedo-like pattern and brilliant coloration make it one of the most elegant fish for freshwater aquariums.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for easy-to-care-for fish or an advanced hobbyist interested in breeding and genetics, the Tuxedo Endler Guppy is a perfect choice. With proper care, diet, and tank setup, these guppies will reward you with beauty, activity, and endless fascination.
FAQs About Tuxedo Endler Guppies
1. What makes the Tuxedo Endler Guppy unique?
Its tuxedo-like body pattern with a dark rear and bright front makes it stand out.
2. How big do Tuxedo Endler Guppies grow?
Males reach around 1 inch, while females can grow up to 2 inches.
3. Are Tuxedo Endler Guppies good for beginners?
Yes, they are hardy, easy to breed, and beginner-friendly.
4. Can they live in community tanks?
Yes, they thrive with peaceful tank mates like tetras, mollies, and shrimp.
5. How long do they live?
Their lifespan is usually 2–3 years with proper care.
6. How often should I feed them?
Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.
7. Do they need live plants?
Live plants aren’t necessary but highly beneficial for fry survival and water quality.
8. Can Tuxedo Endler Guppies crossbreed with other guppies?
Yes, they can breed with regular guppies, producing unique hybrids.
9. How many should be kept together?
Keep groups of at least 6 to reduce stress.
10. How can I make their colors brighter?
Provide a varied diet, stable water parameters, and full-spectrum lighting.