Guppy care guide
Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) — minimum tank 40 L, temperature 22-28 °C, pH 6.5-8. Peaceful middle-water species.
Overview
The Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a small livebearer native to north-east South America and the southern Caribbean. Males display extreme colour and tail-pattern variation produced through selective breeding, while females remain larger and drab. The species is one of the most prolific freshwater aquarium fish in the trade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Poeciliidae
- Genus: Poecilia
- Scientific name: Poecilia reticulata
- Common synonyms: Millionfish, Rainbow Fish
Habitat
Native to Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda, where it occupies shallow streams, pools and ditches. The species is highly adaptable and tolerates a wide range of conditions including brackish and even saltwater.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L (10.6 US gal)
- Adult size: 3-5 cm
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-8
- GH: 8-15 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 1-3 years
Diet
An omnivore that consumes algae, diatoms, detritus, zooplankton, plant fragments and aquatic insect larvae in the wild. In aquaria a varied diet of flake or pellets supplemented with small live or frozen foods (daphnia, brine shrimp) and an occasional vegetable component supports colour and reproduction.
Compatibility
A peaceful community fish. Compatible with Platy, Molly, Corydoras, Neon Tetra, dwarf shrimp and other calm species with similar water requirements. Avoid keeping with Betta, Tiger Barb or Angelfish which may nip the long fins of male Guppies.
Breeding
Internal fertilisation; females retain fry for 20-60 days and give birth to typically 30-60 live young per brood (range 2-200). Provide dense plant cover or breeding traps to protect the fry, which are immediately capable of free swimming and feeding on micro-foods.