Guppy
Poecilia reticulata · Poeciliidae
Also known as Fancy guppy, Million fish
Beginner
Colourful livebearer that breeds relentlessly; prefers harder, alkaline water.
In short: A guppy needs at least 40 L (11 US gal), water at 22–28 °C (72–82 °F) and pH 7–8.5. It is peaceful, best kept in groups of 3 or more, and rated beginner to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 40 L (11 US gal)
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- pH
- 7–8.5
- Adult size
- 5 cm (2 in)
- Group size
- 3+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 40 L (11 US gal)
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- pH
- 7–8.5
- Hardness
- 8–25 dGH
- Lifespan
- 1–3 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — flake, micro pellets, occasional vegetable matter.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Northern South America and Caribbean (now worldwide)
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Warm, hard, shallow streams and ditches
- Natural conditions
- Hard, alkaline, warm water with heavy plant cover.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 3 fish
- Swims
- Top
- Good tank mates
- CorydorasPlatyOtocinclusNerite snail
- Avoid
- Tiger barbBettaFin-nipping tetras
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Beginner
- Sexing
- Males are small with a gonopodium and large colourful tail.
- Notes
- Livebearer — a female drops 20–50 fry every month without any help.
- Common ailments
- Fin rotColumnarisInbred weak stock
Will it fit your tank?
Sign in and AquaLog compares Guppy against every tank you track — volume, water type, temperature and pH — then adds it to your livestock in one tap.
Sign in to check my tanksGuides and lists that mention the guppy
- Guppy vs molly: which to choose?
- Tap or borewell water for an aquarium: is it safe?
- Aquarium setup cost in India (2 feet tank)
- KH vs GH in an aquarium: what's the difference?
- Best fish for Indian heat and hard water
- How to keep an aquarium warm in winter in India
- Best fish for a 2 feet tank
- Why are my fish dying? A step-by-step checklist
- Best freshwater fish for beginners
- Fish for small tanks (up to 40 L / 10 gallons)
- Fish for a 60-litre (16-gallon) aquarium
- Fish for hard, alkaline water
- Check the guppy with your other fish in the stocking checker
