Guppy
Poecilia reticulata
Also sold as Guppies · Millionfish · Dumbo ear guppy
Synonyms Fancy guppy · Endler hybrids · Lebistes reticulatus · Moscow guppy
Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 5 cm (2 in) and swims near the surface. It wants 72–82°F (22–28°C) and pH 7–8, is kept in groups of 3 or more, and needs a tank of at least 40 L (11 gal).
Check a freshwater stocking selection with your tank size and animal counts.
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Minimum tank | 40 L (11 gal) |
| Group size | 3 or more |
| Temperature | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| pH | 7–8 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| GH | 8–30 |
| Lifespan | 2–3 years |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only |
Color forms · Same species, different color. Care is the same for all of them.
Before it goes in
- Guppy needs at least 40 L (11 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 15 Gallon.
- Keep 3 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- Adult shrimp are safe; shrimplets will be eaten, so a shrimp colony will not grow in the same tank.
- It is the wrong size to share a tank with Goldfish, Angelfish and Axolotl: it ends up as food.
- It holds at 72–82°F (22–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp.
- It can go wrong with Betta — it works in some tanks and not in others, so it is not a combination to buy blind.
- It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.
- It eats soft-leaved plants. Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' and Bacopa caroliniana will not last with it; tough-leaved Anubias nana 'Petite' and Marimo Moss Ball will.
- A group of 3 takes up roughly 36% of what a 15 Gallon will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
Guppy: care and setup
What tank size does it need?
At least 40 L (11 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 15 Gallon.
How many should I keep?
3 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
Adults are safe, shrimplets are not. You can keep shrimp with it; you just will not get a growing colony.
What water does it want?
72–82°F (22–28°C), pH 7–8, GH 8–30.
How long does it live?
2–3 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
- Plants that hold up with it: Anubias nana 'Petite', Marimo Moss Ball, Subwassertang and Anubias barteri.