Is this normal??

[Fawnleaf]

Hi Everyone!

I have a guppy in my tank, who was born to two pet store bought guppies a few months ago. He has a blue torso and a red tail--fairly common among guppies. However, his tail is jagged in a strange way that I have not seen before. Anyway, I just want to know if I should breed him or not so that I don't end up with strange or sick fry.

Thank you!!
Fawnleaf

[Goldibug]

It is difficult to tell from the photo but he may have fin rot. Does the edges of his tail look black and ragged/melted? If not he may be getting fin nipped. Have you noticed any fish picking on him? The last thing it may be is a genetic deformity and if that's the case then I wouldn't breed him.

[Fawnleaf]

He has been that way his entire life, and he has no black edges. His tail is really healthy. He isn't being picked on, and his fins are not ragged. I think it's a genetic deformity, but would it be a desirable trait in fry?

[Goldibug]

From what I've heard Guppy keepers want their fish with full fancy fins. I would look into it more through a Guppy club/competition. Maybe they do allow different tail types like they do with bettas but as far as I know they don't and it wouldn't be a sought after trait.

[Fawnleaf]

Thanks!! I know that there can be many tail types in guppies but I never knew if this particular tail was desirable or not. Thank you so much for your help!!!