Fantail Guppy

The Fantail Guppy is one of the most classic and widely recognized guppy varieties, admired for its broad, fan-shaped caudal fin that opens gracefully like a handheld fan. Elegant yet hardy, the Fantail Guppy represents the foundation of fancy guppy breeding and remains a favorite among beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
Common Name: Fantail Guppy
Difficulty Level: Easy
Category: Fancy Guppy

Appearance & Physical Characteristics

Tail (Caudal Fin)

• Shape: Rounded fan-like tail

• Spread: Wide but softer and rounder than Delta tails

• Edges: Smooth and curved

• Movement: Gentle, flowing motion

The fantail provides a balanced blend of beauty and swimming efficiency.

Coloration & Patterns

Fantail Guppies are available in nearly every guppy color and pattern:

Solid Colors

• Red

• Yellow

• Blue

• White

• Black

• Green

Patterned Variants

• Mosaic Fantail

• Cobra Fantail

• Leopard Fantail

• Tuxedo Fantail

• Grass Fantail

Their rounded tails display patterns smoothly and naturally.

Body

• Slim, streamlined body

• May be metallic, half-black, or patterned

• Males show brighter colors and larger tails

• Females are larger with shorter fins

Size

• Males: 3.5–4 cm (1.4–1.6 inches)

• Females: 5–6 cm (2–2.5 inches)

Behavior & Temperament

Fantail Guppies are peaceful, active, and social.

• Excellent swimmers compared to long-tail varieties

• Constantly explore mid and upper water levels

• Males perform playful courtship displays

• Safe for community aquariums

Their balance of beauty and agility makes them ideal for mixed tanks.

Tank Requirements

Tank Size

• Minimum: 10 gallons (40 liters)

• Larger tanks allow natural swimming behavior

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

• pH: 6.8–7.8

• Hardness: Moderate (8–15 dGH)

Fantail Guppies tolerate slight parameter fluctuations better than many fancy strains.

Tank Setup

• Gentle to moderate filtration

• Live plants: Java moss, guppy grass, hornwort

• Open swimming space

• Smooth decorations

• Moderate lighting

Weekly water changes (20–30%) maintain health and color.

Diet & Feeding

Fantail Guppies are omnivorous.

Recommended Diet

• High-quality guppy flakes or micro pellets

• Live/Frozen foods:

  • Brine shrimp

  • Daphnia

  • Bloodworms (occasionally)

• Plant-based foods:

  • Spirulina flakes

  • Blanched vegetables

Feeding Schedule:
2–3 small feedings per day

A varied diet enhances tail shape and coloration.

Tank Mates

Suitable Tank Mates

• Other guppies

• Mollies and platies

• Tetras and rasboras

• Corydoras catfish

• Peaceful shrimp

Avoid

• Aggressive or fin-nipping fish

• Large predatory species

Fantail Guppies are slightly sturdier than delta or dumbo varieties but still delicate.

Breeding & Genetics

Fantail Guppies are livebearers.

• Gestation Period: 25–30 days

• Fry per birth: 20–60

Breeding Notes

• Ideal male:female ratio: 1:2 or 1:3

• Dense plants protect fry

• Fry foods:

  • Baby brine shrimp

  • Finely crushed flakes

Fantail shape is genetically stable and easy to maintain through selective breeding.

Health & Common Issues

Common Problems

• Fin rot

• Torn fins

• Ich (white spot disease)

• Stress-related color fading

Prevention

• Clean, stable water

• Avoid overcrowding

• Quarantine new fish

• Balanced nutrition

Healthy Fantail Guppies swim actively with fully spread tails.

Lifespan

Average lifespan: 2–3 years

Proper care can extend lifespan slightly.