Dragon guppies are popular because of their crisp metallic scaling and strong contrast. But keeping that “clean dragon look” generation after generation takes selection discipline. Lines can drift into speckling, washed-out metallic, or weak bodies if you only select for tail colour. The best results come from selecting for structure first, then pattern clarity, and finally colour intensity. That order keeps lines stable and reduces the need for constant resets.
Selection priority 1: body line and strength
- straight spine and strong back line
- balanced body shape (not overly thin)
- active swimming with no wobble
Selection priority 2: metallic scaling clarity
- clean blocks of metallic rather than random speckling
- consistent coverage across the body
- clear contrast between metallic and tail colour
Selection priority 3: fin balance
Very large tails can look impressive but reduce swimming efficiency and fertility. Balanced fins often produce stronger lines long-term.
When to judge dragons
Many breeders assess at around 8–10 weeks under consistent white light. Earlier than that, colour and metallic can be misleading.
Keeping the line stable
Keep your breeding group tight, track pairings, and cull obvious drift early. Stability in water and feeding also matters — stressed fish show poorer fin condition and it’s harder to judge true quality.
Dragon lines reward patience. If you select for structure and clarity first, you’ll keep the signature metallic look far more reliably across generations.
