Description
Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata (Chilli Red variety) Origin: Selectively bred (Original species native to South America/Caribbean).
Physical Characteristics This strain is highly prized by breeders for its color density.
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Coloration: Males feature a vibrant, solid red color extending from the nose to the tip of the tail. High-grade specimens have “full red” coverage, meaning even the face and belly are red. The red is often matte or slightly velvety rather than metallic.
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Fins: Males usually sport large, flowing delta or fan-shaped tails that are just as bright as the body.
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Females: In this specific strain, females are often quite colorful too, though usually paler red or pinkish compared to the males, with a rounder, larger body.
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Size: Males grow to about 1.5 inches (3.5 cm), while females reach roughly 2 to 2.5 inches.
Behavior and Temperament
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Peaceful: They are completely non-aggressive and make excellent community fish for tanks with other small, peaceful species (like Tetras, Rasboras, or Corydoras).
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Active: They are constant swimmers, darting around the top and middle levels of the tank.
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Breeding: Like all guppies, they are livebearers. If you keep males and females together, you will inevitably have fry (babies) roughly every month. The Chilli Red strain breeds true, meaning the babies will inherit the red coloration.
Care and Habitat
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Tank Size: A minimum of 5 to 10 gallons is required.
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Water Conditions: They prefer harder water rich in minerals (pH 7.0–8.0) and warm temperatures (74°F–82°F).
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Diet: To maintain that deep red color, their diet is crucial. They are omnivores and need color-enhancing flakes (rich in carotenoids), micro pellets, and frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.
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