Red Dragon Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) - Bred By Aquatic Arts

The Red Dragon Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a selectively bred fancy guppy combining rich red coloration with the distinctive appearance associated with Dragon-type guppies. Dragon guppies are known in the aquarium hobby for visually complex combinations of body coloration, patterning, and ornamental finnage rather than the more uniform appearance associated with solid-color guppy strains. Males typically develop the strongest coloration, pattern expression, and more elaborate finnage, while females grow larger, develop fuller bodies, and generally display more restrained coloration. Like other domestic guppies, Red Dragon Guppies are active, social livebearers that spend much of the day swimming, displaying, interacting, and foraging through the upper and middle portions of the aquarium. Our Red Dragon Guppies are Bred by Aquatic Arts through our own guppy breeding program. Raising this strain ourselves gives our team direct involvement from breeding and early development through grow-out, conditioning, and preparation for sale. Their distinctive Dragon-type appearance, active behavior, manageable adult size, and peaceful temperament make them well suited to planted displays, appropriately planned community aquariums, and selective guppy breeding projects. What We Love About This Fish Distinctive Red Dragon Appearance: Rich red coloration combines with the contrasting characteristics associated with Dragon-type fancy guppies for a visually detailed appearance. Impressive Male Display: Mature males typically develop the strongest coloration, pattern expression, and more elaborate ornamental finnage. Active and Highly Visible: Red Dragon Guppies spend much of the day swimming, displaying, interacting, and foraging through the upper and middle portions of the aquarium. Bred by Aquatic Arts: This strain is produced through our own breeding program, giving our team direct involvement from breeding and early development through grow-out and conditioning for its future aquarium. Quick Care Guide Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata Common Name: Red Dragon Guppy Source: Bred by Aquatic Arts Average Purchase Size: Approximately 1–1.5 inches; size varies by age and sex Adult Size: Males typically reach approximately 1.5–2 inches, while females commonly reach approximately 2–2.5 inches Care Level: Easy. Red Dragon Guppies are adaptable, but consistent water quality and adequate mineral content remain important for long-term health. Temperament: Peaceful. Red Dragon Guppies are well suited to appropriately planned community aquariums with non-aggressive species that thrive under similar water conditions. Diet: Omnivore. Offer a varied diet built around quality prepared foods and supplemented with appropriately sized live, frozen, and plant-based foods. Social Behavior: Social and active. Red Dragon Guppies interact frequently with other guppies but do not form the tightly coordinated schools characteristic of many tetras, rasboras, and danios. Males regularly display and court females. Activity Level: Active Aquarium Level: Upper to middle water column Minimum Aquarium Size: 10 gallons; larger aquariums provide greater water stability and additional swimming space for groups, community setups, and breeding populations. Lifespan: Approximately 2–3 years, although genetics, temperature, nutrition, reproductive demands, and overall husbandry influence individual lifespan. Aquatic Arts Tip Because our Red Dragon Guppies are Bred by Aquatic Arts, we are directly involved in the conditions under which the line is bred and raised. Once a fish reaches its new aquarium, however, long-term success still depends on maintaining stable water chemistry, appropriate mineral content, good nutrition, and consistent aquarium maintenance. Recommended Water Parameters & Aquarium Requirements Water Parameters Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C) pH: 7.0–8.2 GH: 8–18 dGH KH: 4–12 dKH Ammonia: 0 ppm Nitrite: 0 ppm Nitrate: Ideally maintained below 20 ppm through appropriate stocking, feeding, filtration, and regular water changes Aquarium Requirements Minimum Aquarium Size: 10 gallons. Larger aquariums provide greater water stability and additional swimming space for groups, community setups, and growing populations of fry. Filtration: Use reliable biological and mechanical filtration appropriate for the aquarium's size and stocking level. Sponge filters are particularly useful in breeding and fry-rearing aquariums because they provide biological filtration without a strong intake that can endanger newborn fry. Water Flow: Low to moderate. Red Dragon Guppies are active swimmers but do not require strong current, particularly males carrying developed ornamental fins. Oxygenation: Maintain good gas exchange through appropriate filtration, surface movement, or supplemental aeration when necessary. Aquarium Maturity: Keep Red Dragon Guppies only in a fully cycled aquarium with established biological filtration. Guppies should never be used to cycle a new aquarium. Plants: Highly recommended. Live plants provide cover, natural grazing surfaces, visual barriers, and refuge for newborn fry while adding biological complexity to the aquarium. Lighting: Low to moderate lighting is sufficient for the fish themselves. Choose lighting intensity primarily according to the requirements of the live plants being maintained. Aquatic Arts Tip Our Bred by Aquatic Arts Red Dragon Guppies are raised in stable, mineral-rich freshwater. When establishing them in a new aquarium, consistency matters more than chasing a single “perfect” number. If the aquarium is already within an appropriate range, avoid unnecessary chemical adjustments that create repeated swings in pH or hardness.