Guppy
The Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is one of the most popular and easiest tropical freshwater fish - colourful, hardy, peaceful, and famously prolific.
Overview
The Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is one of the most popular and easiest tropical freshwater fish - colourful, hardy, peaceful, and famously prolific. Often the first fish for new aquarium keepers and a staple of community tanks.
Natural History
Native to South America (Trinidad, Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil). Livebearing - produces live young instead of eggs. Established invasive populations worldwide.
Appearance
Adults: females 4-6 cm, males 3-4 cm. Males have brilliant colours and long flowing tails; females are larger but plainer.
Hundreds of strain types: cobra, snakeskin, mosaic, tuxedo, half-black, albino, and many more.
Temperament & Tankmates
Peaceful. Excellent in community tanks with other small peaceful fish. Avoid:
- Fin-nippers (tiger barbs, some tetras).
- Large predators.
Mix with: small tetras, corydoras, otocinclus, peaceful livebearers (platy, molly).
Tank Size & Setup
Minimum: 40 L (10 gallon) for a group of 5-7. Larger preferred.
Keep at least 3 - guppies are schooling/grouping fish.
If breeding is not desired, keep all-male or all-female groups. Mixed-sex groups produce non-stop fry - females can store sperm and produce multiple broods from one mating.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 22-28°C.
- pH: 6.8-7.8 (tolerates wide range).
- Hardness: moderate to hard.
Diet
Omnivore. Quality flake food, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, blanched vegetables, occasional live foods. Feed 1-2 times daily.
Health & Lifespan
1.5-3 years.
Common concerns:
- Inbreeding decline - modern Guppy strains often weak; quality from reputable breeders fares better.
- Ich.
- Fin rot.
- Tuberculosis (rare).
- Dropsy.
Pros & Cons
Pros: brilliant colours, peaceful, easy to keep, breed easily, ideal for beginners. Cons: short lifespan, fry production constant in mixed-sex tanks, weak inbred strains.
Guppy - frequently asked questions
Do they really breed easily?
Yes - often called "Million Fish" for prolific breeding. A female can produce 20-60 fry every 4 weeks.
Can I keep just males?
Yes, recommended for non-breeding setups. All-male groups can have minor fin-nipping; provide enough space.
How long do they live?
1.5-3 years.
Beginner fish?
Yes - among the easiest. Choose from reputable breeders rather than mass-market stock.
🧠 Test yourself: guess the fish
Three clues from our quiz bank, each about another of our fish. Can you name them?
Clue 1.Famous for multiplying fast, these fish carry developing fry internally until the babies emerge swimming.
It's the Molly / Platy / Swordtail (Livebearers) - read the full profile →
Clue 2.Some species of this small, brilliantly colored fish lay eggs that survive dried mud until rains return.
It's the Killifish - read the full profile →
Clue 3.Fancy varieties of this fish include bubble-eye and telescope-eye types bred for unusual looks.
It's the Goldfish - read the full profile →