Red Cap Guppy - Poecilia reticulata

from £3.30

Profile

The Red Cap Guppy, also known as the Red Cap Kohaku Guppy, is a selectively bred fancy strain prized for its bright red colouration on the head and upper body contrasting with a clean pearlescent white body and tail. The colour pattern is inspired by the Kohaku koi. Males are smaller but far more vividly coloured than females, with flowing fins and a striking red cap that stands out beautifully against planted backgrounds. The strain is entirely captive-bred and does not occur in nature.

Merits

  • Striking red and white Kohaku-style colouration unlike standard guppies

  • Very peaceful and suitable for community tanks

  • Easy to keep and breed — ideal for beginners

  • Hardy and adaptable to a range of water parameters

  • Livebearer — straightforward to breed, producing fry every 4–6 weeks

Diet

An omnivore. Feed high-quality flake food or micro-pellets as a staple, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia. Spirulina flakes help maintain colouration. Feed small portions once or twice daily.

Qty:

Profile

The Red Cap Guppy, also known as the Red Cap Kohaku Guppy, is a selectively bred fancy strain prized for its bright red colouration on the head and upper body contrasting with a clean pearlescent white body and tail. The colour pattern is inspired by the Kohaku koi. Males are smaller but far more vividly coloured than females, with flowing fins and a striking red cap that stands out beautifully against planted backgrounds. The strain is entirely captive-bred and does not occur in nature.

Merits

  • Striking red and white Kohaku-style colouration unlike standard guppies

  • Very peaceful and suitable for community tanks

  • Easy to keep and breed — ideal for beginners

  • Hardy and adaptable to a range of water parameters

  • Livebearer — straightforward to breed, producing fry every 4–6 weeks

Diet

An omnivore. Feed high-quality flake food or micro-pellets as a staple, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia. Spirulina flakes help maintain colouration. Feed small portions once or twice daily.

Scientific name: Poecilia reticulata

Common names: Red Cap Guppy, Red Cap Kohaku Guppy

Family: Poeciliidae

Origin: Captive-bred strain (wild ancestor: South America)

Adult size: Males 3.5–5 cm (1.5–2 in)

Lifespan: 2–3 years

Temperature: 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)

pH: 6.8–7.8

Hardness: 8–12 dGH

Minimum tank size: 40 litres

Temperament: Peaceful, social, active

Care level: Easy

Diet: Omnivore

Swimming level: Mid-water

Minimum group size: 3 (1 male to 2 females)

Breeding: Livebearer, fry every 4–6 weeks

Fish Recommended

Other guppies (1 male to 2–3 females), Mollies, Platies, Neon Tetras, Corydoras catfish, Otocinclus, Kuhli Loach, Cherry Barb, Amano Shrimp, Nerite Snails

Fish to Avoid

Fin-nipping species (Tiger Barbs, Serpae Tetras), Aggressive or territorial fish (cichlids, Bettas), Large predatory fish, Fast aggressive feeders, Too few females (males will harass them)