Poecilia reticulata - Japan blue Red Tail

Elegant, vibrant, and meticulously bred — the Japan Blue Red Tail Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a prized fancy guppy strain celebrated for its stunning combination of an iridescent metallic blue body and a flowing, vivid red tail. Developed through careful selective breeding in Japan, this strain represents the pinnacle of guppy artistry and is a showstopper in any aquarium.

Overview

Appearance

Males display a striking metallic blue body — the hallmark of the Japan Blue gene — which shimmers with an almost neon iridescence under aquarium lighting. The caudal fin is a bold, flowing red that contrasts beautifully against the blue body. Females are larger and less colourful, with a more subdued silver-grey body, but are essential for maintaining the strain's genetics.

Water Parameters & Tank Setup

• Temperature: 72 – 82°F (22 – 28°C)
• pH: 7.0 – 8.0
• General Hardness (GH): 8 – 20 dGH
• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons
• Lighting: Moderate — enhances their metallic blue sheen
• Substrate: Dark substrate makes their colours pop
• Plants & Decor: Planted tanks with open swimming space; floating plants provide cover for fry

Diet & Feeding

Guppies are omnivores and easy to feed:

• Staple: High-quality flake food or micro pellets
• Treats: Baby brine shrimp, daphnia, micro worms, and blanched vegetables
• Tip: Varied diet enhances colour intensity

Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Japan Blue Red Tail Guppies are peaceful and do well in community tanks. Ideal tank mates include:

• Other guppy strains
• Small tetras and rasboras
• Corydoras catfish
• Small livebearers (platies, mollies, endlers)
• Dwarf shrimp (with caution)

Avoid fin-nipping species, as their flowing tails can be a target.

Breeding

Guppies are livebearers and breed readily. Females give birth to live fry every 4–6 weeks. Provide floating plants or a breeding box to protect fry from being eaten. Fry can be fed crushed flake food or baby brine shrimp from birth.

The Japan Blue Red Tail Guppy is a masterpiece of selective breeding — a living work of art that brings elegance and colour to any aquarium. A must-have for guppy enthusiasts and community tank keepers alike.