Guppies are one of the most popular fish for home aquariums. They are easy to care for and their vibrant colors add interest and excitement to any tank. Dragon guppies are a type of guppy that is known for its beautiful, long fins. This fish comes in a variety of colors, including yellow, violet, blue, red, and orange. Both males and females are brightly colored.
Dragon guppies prefer eating on the lower and mid-levels but like to reside at the top level of water. They are called 'dragons' because they resemble mythical creatures in both appearance and behavior. Dragon guppies are known for leaping out of the tank, so it is critical that your aquarium has a lid. If you don't have a cover for your tank, make sure to lower the water level so they can't escape.
It is not a good idea to house dragon guppies with shrimps because one of their favorite foods is shrimp. Keeping a small number of them is best, so they don’t continually attack the weaker ones. The dragon guppy is a voracious eater and will consume anything from pellets and flaked food to dried tubifex, bloodworms, and shrimp.
To learn more about taking care of dragon guppies, read on!!
Quick Facts about Dragon Guppy Fish
Dragon Guppy Care
The guppy fish is a very swift swimmer. In fact, this species of fish is so active that they will chase each other around the aquarium all day long. The strong dragonfish will harass the weak ones if there isn't enough hiding space. However, you can prevent this by providing adequate hiding spots.
To keep your dragon guppy fish healthy and happy, you will need to provide them with a well-balanced diet. They are omnivorous, so they will eat both plant and animal matter. For taking care of dragon guppy fish, you should offer them a variety of live, frozen, and freeze-dried foods. Dragon guppies are also known to nibble on algae, so you may not need to supplement their diet with algae wafers or pellets.
Dragon Tail Guppies are relatively easy to care for as long as you provide them with the proper environment and diet. With a little bit of effort, you can have a happy and healthy tank of dragon guppy fish.
Although guppies are one of the easiest fish to breed, there are still a few things you should know before getting started. Your aquarium should have plenty of floating plants and a breeding box to protect the fry from being eaten by other fish. Adults can consume the fry if they are permitted to survive on their own without the breeding box.
Dragon Guppy Size
Dragon guppies typically range from 1 to 1.5 inches in size, though there are some that exceed 2.5 centimeters but remain under 6.3 centimeters. Female dragons are generally bigger than male ones.
Dragon Guppy Lifespan
They can live for at least two years. However, with the proper care, they can live even longer—up to three to five years.
Dragon Guppy Appearance
The color pattern of a dragon guppy is one of the most spectacular among all the breeds. These fish are recognized for their bright red fins with the half-black body. Dragon guppies come in a variety of hues, including red, orange, blue, violet, and yellow as well. The most popular color morph is the red dragon guppy.
Red Dragon Guppy
The red dragon guppies are a well-known variety of dragon guppies. It is also known as Red Fire Dragon Guppies. It has a reddish tail, and silver-colored fins, and the remaining body is typically black. Male red dragon guppies tend to be more colorful than their female counterparts, which are not as vivid as the males. They are beautiful fish that can add a splash of color to any aquarium. There are different varieties of Red Dragon guppies, but the most popular type is the Red Dragon half-moon elephant ear guppy.
Blue Dragon Guppies
The blue dragon guppy is another popular variety of dragon guppies. Their tail and fins are blue, while their body is black with a tint of blue. Like the red dragon guppy, the male blue dragon guppy is more colorful than the female.
Purple Dragon Guppies
The purple dragon guppy is a beautiful variety of guppy with a purple tail and fins. These fishes are beautiful and easily recognizable because of their purple fins, tail, and long trailing fins that resemble a skirt. Just like other guppy varieties, the Male purple dragon guppy is more colorful than the female.
Dragon Guppy Behavior
Guppies are most often found at the top of the water column, although they may be seen swimming and feeding throughout all levels. They are also fearless jumpers, thus they must be kept in an aquarium with a lid/hood/canopy or at least a lowered water level. Dragon guppies tend to get along well with other fish and other peaceful invertebrates. They are robust and adaptable. They make for excellent aquarium occupants that stay near the top of the aquarium.
Dragon Guppy Tank Mates
Dragon guppies are peaceful community fish and can be kept with other peaceful community fish. Good tank mates for dragon guppies include:
- Cardinal Tetra
- Cory Catfish
- Harlequin Rasboras
- Swordtails
- Platies
- Mollies
- Honey Gouramis
- Bristlenose Pleco
- Nerite Snails
- Kuhli Loach
- Crystal Red Shrimp
- Amano Shrimp
- Otocinclus Catfish
- Red Cherry Shrimp
- African Dwarf Frog
However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing tank mates for your dragon guppy. Make sure the fish you select are not too large, as they may view the guppy as food. In addition, avoid keeping them with fin nippers or other aggressive fish that may bully or harass the guppy.
Dragon Guppy Tank Setup
Dragon guppies are very much adaptable, So you don't have to worry about their tank setup. With little effort, you can create a natural-looking environment for your dragon guppy. For setting up a dragon guppy tank you will need to consider the following things:
Tank Size
The minimum tank size for dragon guppies is 10 gallons. However, a 20-gallon aquarium is ideal as it allows them plenty of room to swim and also provides space for live plants and other decorations.
Water Parameters
Dragon guppy may survive in water temperatures of 64° – 82° F (18° – 27.7° C), with a PH of 5.5 – 8.0, making them ideal for beginners!
Filtration
Dragon guppy does best with a filter that has moderate to high flow. A canister or hang-on-back filter is ideal. Be sure to choose a filter that is sized appropriately for your aquarium.
Lighting
Dragon guppies prefer dim lighting. A fluorescent tube light or LED light that emits low to moderate light is ideal.
Substrate
For the substrate, you can use gravel or sand. Be sure to choose a substrate that is non-toxic and safe for aquarium use.
Plants
Dragon guppies are not known to eat plants, but they do like to hide in them. Live plants are a great addition to the dragon guppy aquarium as they provide cover and hiding places for the fish. In addition, live plants help to oxygenate and filter the water.
Some good plant choices for the dragon guppy aquarium include:
- Java Fern
- Anacharis
- Hornwort
- Water Sprite
- Floating Plants
- Duckweed
- Water Lettuce
Dragon Guppy Breeding
This fish will mate easily in your tank if you keep males and females together. A dragon guppy is mature and ready to reproduce when they are 60-90 days old. They can give birth to 20+ guppies every 30 days. Dragon guppies can conceive via sperm stored in their bodies, similar to other types of guppies. They are livebearers, meaning that once they are pregnant, they will give birth to live young.
The female dragon guppy will have a gravid spot on her belly when she is ready to give birth. This gravid spot is a dark area that is located just behind the vent. When she is ready to give birth, the female dragon guppy will release her young into the water. The fry (baby guppies) are born fully formed and are able to swim and feed on their own.
Dragon Guppy Fry
Dragon Guppy fry is very small and is difficult to see. They will hide in the plants and other tank decorations, making them hard to spot. In addition, the fry is very susceptible to being eaten by other fish in the aquarium. For this reason, it is best to remove the fry from the main tank and raise them in a separate fry tank.
To raise dragon guppy fry, you will need a fry tank that is at least 10 gallons in size. The tank should be equipped with a filter and heater. Be sure to use an aquarium-safe silicone sealant to seal any holes or cracks in the tank.
The water in the fry tank should be similar to the water in the main tank. To make sure the fry has enough to eat, you can use quality fry food or infusoria. In addition, you can also feed them live baby brine shrimp. The fry should be offered micro food and pulverized flakes.
As the fry grows, you will need to remove the males from the tank. The males can be moved to the main tank or sold. The females can be left in the fry tank until they are large enough to be moved to the main tank.
Dragon Guppy Diseases
Dragon guppies are susceptible to the same diseases as other types of guppies. If you could identify the early signs of disease, you can treat the fish before the disease becomes too severe.
The most common diseases that affect dragon guppies include:
Ich
Ich is a parasitic disease that is caused by a single-celled organism. The early signs of ich include white spots on the skin and fins. If left untreated, ich can be fatal.
To treat Ich, you can use a quality aquarium salt or an anti-parasitic medication. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label.
Fin Rot
Fin rot is a bacterial infection that affects the fins and tail. The early signs of fin rot include frayed or ragged fins.
Gill Flukes
Gill flukes are parasitic flatworms that attach themselves to the gills of fish. The early signs of gill flukes include gasping at the surface of the water and lethargy.
Velvet Disease
Velvet disease is a parasitic infection that is caused by a single-celled organism. The early signs of velvet disease include gold or brown dust on the skin and fins. If left untreated, velvet disease can be fatal.
Maintaining clean water and quarantining new fish is the best way to keep your tank healthy and disease-free. It is essential to pick a healthy fish food that has all the nutrients they require to stay away from illness. If you think your fish is unwell, it is vital to take them to a professional veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
FAQ
How Do You Identify a Dragon Guppy?
There are many different types of guppy fish, but the dragon guppy is a relatively new breed. Dragon guppies are characterized by their long, flowing fins and colorful scales. They come in a variety of colors, including blue, green, orange, and red. Dragon guppies are typically smaller than regular guppies and have a shorter lifespan.
How Easy Are They to Care for?
Guppies are one of the most popular aquarium fish, and they're quite simple to maintain. They make excellent community fish tanks because they're sociable and easy to care for.
How Large Can They Grow?
Dragon Guppy fish have a maximum length of 2.5 inches, with females being larger.
Where in the World Are They From?
Capybaras originally come from South America, but they can now be found all around the world in Venezuela, Trinidad, Barbados, Singapore, and the USA.
Can I Feed My Bearded Dragon Guppies?
Bearded dragons guppies are opportunistic feeders and will consume just about any animal they can fit in their mouths. So the answer to this question is technically yes, you can feed your bearded dragon guppies. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before doing so. The size of food items is important to consider when feeding your bearded dragon guppies. Bearded dragons have small mouths and can easily choke on large prey items. It's best to feed your bearded dragon guppies powdered or frozen foods that have been broken down into small pieces. Another thing to consider before feeding your bearded dragon guppies is the nutritional value of their diet.
What is the Ideal Number to Keep Together?
Males and females both enjoy living in large groups, but it is recommended to have two to three female livebearers for every male.
What Water Conditions Do Dragon Guppy Fish Require?
The ideal pH level for this type of water should be slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 - 8.0, while the temperature should ideally fall between 18° - 27.7° C.
What Should You Feed Dragon Guppy Fish?
Guppies should have a varied diet that includes flake, frozen, freeze-dried, and live foods. Because they are omnivores, they will eagerly consume a broad range of meals; however, green foods should be provided in excess.
How Compatible Are Dragon Guppy Fish With Other Fish?
The Dragon Guppy Fish is a peaceful community fish that should be kept with other calm tank mates such as Platy's, Mollie's, and Tetras.
Can Dragon Guppy Fish Be Bred in Captivity?
These fish, like all livebearers, will readily breed in captivity; it is more a matter of when than how if you have a mix of males and females.
How Often Should You Feed Dragon Guppy Fish?
Guppies should be fed two to three times a day. While they will eat flakes, it is best to supplement their diet with live or frozen foods as well.
Do Dragon Guppy Fish Have Any Special Care Requirements?
No, these fish are relatively easy to care for and do not have any special requirements. Just be sure to provide them with a varied diet and plenty of hiding places.
What Is the Lifespan of a Dragon Guppy Fish?
The average lifespan of a Dragon Guppy Fish is three to five years. However, with proper care, they can live even longer.
What Size Tank Do Dragon Guppy Fish Need?
A tank with a volume of 10 gallons or more is acceptable. Though a tank that is at least 20 gallons. is more ideal. If you plan on keeping more than one fish, you will need a larger tank.
Do Dragon Guppy Fish Need an Air Pump?
No, these fish do not need an air pump; however, they will appreciate some form of aeration. A simple airstone will suffice.
Final Thoughts
Dragon guppy fish are a popular choice for many aquarium hobbyists. They are relatively easy to care for and do not have any special requirements. Just be sure to provide them with a varied diet and plenty of hiding places.
The Dragon guppy fish prefers to remain in warm water. As a result, they are not found across the world, and they are common in South America, where they help to manage the mosquito population. To keep this species of fish in an aquarium, you will need a heater. They can also be kept with Platies, Corydoras, Tetras, and Gouramis but should be kept separate from barbs and aggressive tetras. If you're planning on keeping dragon guppy as a pet, be sure to have a lid for the tank since they love to jump. They also adore eating lettuce, shrimp, peas or any food that's meaty or high in protein.
If you have a tank with fresh water and are looking for a fun and colorful fish to add, the dragon guppy is a great choice! With proper care, these fish can live for 3-5 years in captivity. Keep in mind that they need to be in a group as well, so plan accordingly when stocking your tank.
