Red Lyretail Breeding Pair

The Red Lyre Tail Guppy, scientifically known as Poecilia reticulata, is a breathtaking and highly sought-after variety of guppy known for its distinctive red coloration and the elegant, lyre-shaped tail fin possessed by the males. These guppies are prized by aquarium enthusiasts for their striking appearance and peaceful nature. Here is a detailed description of the Red Lyre Tail Guppy:

Appearance:

1. Size: Red Lyre Tail Guppies are small fish, typically reaching an adult size of about 1.5 to 2.5 inches (3.8 to 6.4 centimeters) in length.
2. Body Shape: They have an elongated, somewhat flattened body with a slightly curved profile, typical of guppies. The males have a striking, elongated tail fin that forms a lyre or crescent shape, while the females have a more traditional fan-shaped tail.
3. Coloration: The most distinguishing feature of the Red Lyre Tail Guppy is its vibrant red coloration. Their bodies and fins can display various shades of red, ranging from deep crimson to fiery orange. The coloration is particularly vivid in males, making them a visual centerpiece in the aquarium.

Behavior:

1. Peaceful Nature: Red Lyre Tail Guppies are known for their peaceful and non-aggressive temperament. They are excellent choices for community aquariums and can coexist harmoniously with a wide range of peaceful fish species.
2. Active Swimmers: These guppies are active swimmers and enjoy exploring all levels of the aquarium. Their constant movement adds life and vitality to the tank.

Habitat:

1. Origin: Guppies, including the Red Lyre Tail variety, are native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, including countries like Venezuela, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago. They inhabit various freshwater habitats, including slow-moving rivers, streams, and ponds.
2. Aquarium Setup: To create an ideal habitat for Red Lyre Tail Guppies, provide an aquarium with plenty of live or artificial plants, driftwood, and open swimming spaces. They thrive in water conditions with a temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C), a pH level between 7.0 and 8.0, and moderately hard water.

Diet:

1. Omnivorous Feeders: Red Lyre Tail Guppies are omnivores and accept a varied diet. They primarily feed on high-quality flakes or pellets formulated for tropical fish. Additionally, they can be supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms to enhance their coloration and overall health.

Compatibility:

1. Peaceful Tankmates: Red Lyre Tail Guppies are peaceful and can coexist with a wide range of compatible tankmates, including other peaceful community fish species. They are social and do well when kept in groups, so it's advisable to keep them in schools of at least six or more individuals.

Breeding:

1. Livebearers: Red Lyre Tail Guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live fry rather than laying eggs. They are known for their prolific breeding habits, making them relatively easy to breed in a home aquarium. Provide ample hiding spots or floating plants to protect the newborn fry from potential predation by adult fish.