Yellow Koi Tuxedo Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) – Bred by Aquatic Arts

Species Overview The Yellow Koi Tuxedo Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a selectively bred fancy guppy that combines bright yellow coloration with the contrasting characteristics associated with Koi- and Tuxedo-type guppy strains. The result is a highly visible fish with areas of warm yellow coloration set against darker body pigmentation, creating a noticeably different appearance from solid-color or heavily patterned fancy guppies. Males typically develop the strongest color contrast and more elaborate ornamental finnage, while females grow larger, develop fuller bodies, and generally display more restrained coloration. Individual Yellow Koi Tuxedo Guppies can vary in the amount, placement, and intensity of yellow and darker pigmentation, which is normal within a selectively bred living strain. Like other domestic guppies, they 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 Yellow Koi Tuxedo 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 strong color contrast, peaceful temperament, manageable adult size, and constant activity make them well suited to planted displays, appropriately planned community aquariums, and selective guppy breeding projects. What We Love About This Fish Distinctive Koi Tuxedo Appearance: Bright yellow coloration combines with darker contrasting pigmentation to give the Yellow Koi Tuxedo Guppy a highly recognizable appearance. Natural Individual Variation: The placement and intensity of yellow and darker coloration can vary from fish to fish, giving individual Yellow Koi Tuxedo Guppies their own appearance while remaining part of the same breeding line. Active and Highly Visible: Yellow Koi Tuxedo 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: Yellow Koi Tuxedo 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. Yellow Koi Tuxedo Guppies are adaptable, but consistent water quality and adequate mineral content remain important for long-term health. Temperament: Peaceful. Yellow Koi Tuxedo 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. Yellow Koi Tuxedo 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 Yellow Koi Tuxedo Guppies are Bred by Aquatic Arts, we are directly involved in the conditions under which this line is bred and raised. Once these fish move into their new aquarium, maintaining stable water chemistry, appropriate mineral content, good nutrition, and consistent aquarium maintenance will matter far more than trying to chase one exact parameter. 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. Yellow Koi Tuxedo 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 Yellow Koi Tuxedo 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 Stable water beats constantly adjusted water. Yellow Koi Tuxedo Guppies thrive in mineral-rich freshwater, but there is no benefit to repeatedly altering pH, GH, or KH when an established aquarium already falls within an appropriate range. Consistency gives guppies time to acclimate and reduces unnecessary swings in water chemistry.