Veiltail Guppy

The Veiltail Guppy is the embodiment of softness and grace in the guppy world. Unlike bold, wide-spreading tails, the Veiltail flows gently behind the fish like a silken ribbon in water. It is one of the most classic and beloved guppy tail types, admired for its natural elegance, calm presence, and effortless beauty.

Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
Common Name: Veiltail Guppy
Category: Fancy Guppy (Tail-type variety)
Difficulty Level: Easy

Visual Identity & Physical Features

The Veil Tail

• Tail Shape: Long, downward-flowing, asymmetrical veil

• Tail Length: Longer than body length in quality strains

• Tail Edges: Soft, smooth, tapering

• Motion: Fluid, floating, slow-moving

Unlike Halfmoon or Delta tails, Veiltails focus on length and flow rather than width.

Color & Pattern Diversity

Veiltail Guppies appear in nearly every color and pattern imaginable:

• Solid colors (Red, Blue, White, Yellow, Black)

• Bi-color and tri-color varieties

• Cobra, Mosaic, Leopard, and Grass patterns

• Metallic and pastel shades

The long veil tail enhances color depth, creating a water-painting effect as the fish swims.

Size & Body Structure

• Males: 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 inches)

• Females: 5–6 cm (2–2.5 inches)

• Body Shape: Slim and balanced to support extended fins

Females generally have shorter, rounded tails.

Temperament & Behavior

Veiltail Guppies are peaceful, calm, and social, making them perfect for serene community aquariums.

• Gentle swimmers

• Non-territorial

• Males display tails subtly during courtship

• Thrive in groups

Their swimming style adds a soothing rhythm to the aquarium.

Ideal Aquarium Conditions

Tank Size

• Minimum: 10 gallons (40 liters)

• Larger tanks help prevent tail damage

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

• pH: 7.0–7.8

• Hardness: Moderate (8–15 dGH)

Clean, stable water keeps the veil tail smooth and intact.

Tank Setup Tips

• Gentle filtration (low water flow)

• Soft live plants (Java moss, guppy grass)

• Open swimming space

• Avoid sharp decorations

• Moderate lighting

Floating plants add comfort and reduce stress.

Diet & Nutrition

Veiltail Guppies are omnivores and respond well to varied diets.

Recommended Foods

• Premium guppy flakes or micro-pellets

• Live/Frozen foods:

  • Baby brine shrimp

  • Daphnia

  • Bloodworms (occasional)

• Plant matter:

  • Spirulina flakes

  • Blanched spinach (tiny amounts)

Feeding Schedule:
2–3 small feedings per day

Good nutrition prevents fin thinning and fading.

Tank Mates & Compatibility

Best Tank Mates

• Other fancy guppies

• Platies

• Mollies

• Corydoras

• Peaceful tetras

• Snails and shrimp

Avoid

• Fin-nippers (barbs, aggressive tetras)

• Fast, dominant fish

Veiltails thrive in calm, harmonious tanks.

Breeding & Reproduction

Breeding Basics

• Livebearer

• Gestation: 25–30 days

• Fry count: 20–50

Breeding Notes

• Veiltail trait is easily passed on

• Select long-tailed males for better offspring

• Provide hiding spots for fry

Veiltails are excellent for beginners starting guppy breeding.

Health & Common Issues

Common Problems

• Fin rot

• Tail fraying

• Stress from strong currents

Prevention

• Weekly water changes (20–30%)

• Stable temperature

• Gentle filtration

• High-quality diet

Healthy Veiltails show smooth, unbroken tail flow.

Lifespan

Average lifespan: 2–3 years

With proper care, they maintain beauty throughout life.