Guppies are one of the most diverse freshwater aquarium fish in the world. Through decades of selective breeding, hundreds of varieties have been developed with unique colors, patterns, and tail shapes.

All guppy varieties belong to the species Poecilia reticulata, but they are classified based on tail shape, color, pattern, and eye type.

This complete guide explains the main types of guppies in a clear and organized way.

1️⃣ Types of Guppy by Tail Shape

Tail shape is one of the most important classification methods.

🔹 Delta Tail (Triangle Tail)

• Large triangular tail
• Very popular in fancy strains
• Ideal for display tanks

🔹 Fan Tail

• Wide rounded tail
• Similar to delta but less sharp

🔹 Veil Tail

• Long, flowing tail
• Elegant but delicate

🔹 Round Tail

• Small circular tail
• Often seen in wild-type guppies

🔹 Sword Tail

• Extension on bottom, top, or both
• Includes:
  • Bottom Sword
  • Top Sword
  • Double Sword

🔹 Lyretail

• Two pointed extensions
• Symmetrical appearance

2️⃣ Types of Guppy by Color

Color-based varieties are the most popular among hobbyists.

🔵 Blue Guppy

• Includes Blue Moscow
• Sky blue
• Blue mosaic

🔴 Red Guppy

• Full red body and tail
• Red dragon strains

⚫ Black Guppy

• Black Moscow
• Solid jet-black body

🟡 Yellow / Gold Guppy

• Bright yellow body
• Metallic gold tones

⚪ White / Platinum Guppy

• Pale, shiny white
• Often metallic sheen

🟣 Purple Guppy

• Rare and unique tone

🟢 Green Guppy

• Emerald or metallic green

3️⃣ Types of Guppy by Pattern

Pattern classification is very important in breeding.

🐍 Cobra Guppy

• Snakeskin body pattern
• Metallic shine

🎨 Mosaic Guppy

• Intricate spotted tail
• Lace-like appearance

🐉 Dragon Guppy

• Thick patterned body
• Often red or blue

👔 Tuxedo Guppy

• Half-black body
• Front and back color contrast

🌿 Grass Guppy

• Fine dotted tail pattern

🧬 Snakeskin Guppy

• Complex body pattern
• Often confused with cobra

4️⃣ Types of Guppy by Eye Color

🔴 Albino Guppy

• Red or pink eyes
• Light body color
• Sensitive to strong light

⚫ Normal Eye Guppy

• Dark eyes
• Most common

5️⃣ Wild vs Fancy Guppy

🌿 Wild Guppy

• Small tail
• Natural muted colors
• Very hardy

🌈 Fancy Guppy

• Large decorative tail
• Bright selective colors
• More delicate than wild types

Fancy guppies are the result of selective breeding from wild ancestors.

6️⃣ Rare & Premium Guppy Types

Some highly sought-after strains include:

• Moscow Guppy
• Japan Blue Guppy
• Koi Guppy
• Dumbo Ear (Elephant Ear) Guppy
• Full Platinum
• Leopard Guppy

These are often used in competitive breeding programs.

7️⃣ Most Popular Guppy Types for Beginners

If you’re new, start with:

✔ Mosaic guppy
✔ Cobra guppy
✔ Red delta guppy
✔ Blue Moscow
✔ Tuxedo guppy

They are hardy and widely available.

8️⃣ Choosing the Right Guppy Type

Consider:

• Tank size
• Experience level
• Breeding goals
• Maintenance time
• Desired color theme

For display tanks → Delta tail strains
For breeding → Strong genetics like Moscow lines
For community tanks → Hardy mosaic or cobra types

9️⃣ Ideal Tank Conditions for All Guppy Types

Stable water keeps all varieties healthy and colorful.

🔟 Final Thoughts

There are hundreds of guppy varieties available today, categorized by tail shape, color, and pattern. Whether you prefer the bold Black Moscow, intricate Mosaic, or dramatic Dragon guppy, there’s a type for every aquarist.

Understanding the different types helps you:

• Choose better breeding pairs
• Design color-themed aquariums
• Maintain strain purity
• Avoid mixing incompatible genetics

Guppies are one of the most diverse and rewarding freshwater fish in the hobby.