Description

Guppies are small, colorful, lively freshwater fish native to South America. They are one of the most popular aquarium fish due to their bright colors, hardy nature, and constant activity.

Key Features

• Size: 1.5–2.5 inches (males smaller, females larger)

• Colors: Endless varieties — neon, mosaic, halfmoon, cobra, tuxedo, metallic, etc.

• Tail Types: Delta, fan tail, lyretail, swordtail, dumbo ear, and more

• Temperament: Peaceful, active, social

• Lifespan: 2–3 years (longer with excellent care)

🐡 Care Requirements

✔️ Tank Size

• Minimum: 10 gallons

• Bigger is better if keeping multiple males or breeding

• Keep a group: 3+ guppies (they’re social)

💧 Water Parameters

Guppies prefer slightly hard, alkaline water.

• Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)

• pH: 6.8–8.0

• Hardness: Moderate–hard

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate: <20–40 ppm

They’re hardy, but stable water quality is important.

🍽️ Diet

Guppies are omnivores and love variety.

Best Foods:

• High-quality flakes or micro pellets

• Baby brine shrimp

• Daphnia

• Bloodworms (frozen or live)

• Spirulina

• Crushed veggies (zucchini, spinach)

Feed small amounts 1–2× daily.

🧽 Tank Setup

Recommended:

• Live plants (java moss, anacharis, hornwort, floating plants)

• Soft filter flow (sponge filters are perfect)

• Gentle lighting

• Hiding spots — especially if breeding

Avoid:

• Aggressive or nippy tankmates

• Strong currents (they tire easily)

🤝 Tank Mates

Guppies get along with most peaceful fish.

Good Choices:

• Mollies

• Platies

• Corydoras

• Shrimp

• Tetras (non-nippy types)

• Rasboras

Avoid:

• Bettas (temperament depends)

• Tiger barbs

• Large or aggressive fish

🧠 Behavior

• Very active and playful

• Males show off with flashy fins

• Peaceful community fish

• Extremely social — thrive in groups

🪺 Breeding

Guppies are one of the easiest fish to breed.

• Livebearers: females give birth to live fry

• Gestation: ~30 days

• Brood size: 10–100 fry

• Adults WILL eat fry — provide hiding plants or a breeding net

Fry eat crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, or fry food.