A 10-gallon tank is suitable for a small group, but a 20-gallon or larger tank is ideal to provide ample space for swimming and more stable water conditions.
Use fine gravel or sand as a substrate. Red Dragon Guppies thrive in a planted aquarium, so adding live plants like Java moss, Anubias, and Amazon sword is beneficial. Plants not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide hiding spots and contribute to the overall health of the tank.
Moderate to bright lighting will help bring out the vivid red colors of the guppies and support plant growth.
Maintain a water temperature between 72-82°F (22-28°C).
A slightly alkaline pH of around 7.0-8.0 is ideal for these guppies.
Red Dragon Guppies prefer moderately hard to hard water, which is typical for guppy varieties.
Provide high-quality flake or pellet food formulated for tropical fish as their main diet.
Enhance their diet with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. These protein-rich foods help maintain their health and intensify their coloration.Include some vegetable-based foods, such as spirulina flakes or blanched spinach, for a well-rounded diet.
Red Dragon Guppies are peaceful and can be kept in community tanks with other small, non-aggressive fish. Good tank mates include tetras, Corydoras catfish, mollies, and platies.
Avoid keeping them with larger or aggressive fish that might harass them or nip at their fins.
Like other guppies, Red Dragon Guppies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live fry. If you have both males and females in the tank, they will breed naturally.
To protect the fry from being eaten by adults, provide plenty of hiding spots with dense plants, or use a breeding box to separate the fry.
Perform regular water changes (about 20-30% weekly) to maintain clean and stable water conditions.
Regularly test the water parameters to ensure they stay within the ideal range for guppies.
Keep an eye on common guppy ailments, such as fin rot or ich, which can occur if water conditions are not optimal. Maintaining good water quality and reducing stress will help prevent these issues.
With proper care, Red Dragon Guppies can thrive and add a splash of vibrant color and lively activity to your aquarium. Their stunning appearance and ease of care make them a fantastic choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists.