Guppies have long been a favorite topic for fishkeepers. In this guide, we will explore the fascinating world of guppies. It’s an amazing fish, full of color and personality. It’s one of the most popular fish in freshwater fishkeeping for a reason. This guide will provide detailed insights into guppy care and breeding.

This guide covers everything you need to know about guppy care and breeding.

Here’s a comprehensive look at caring for and breeding guppies. This is a very common fish that most new fish keepers have heard of. It’s a fish that gets people into the hobby for many good reasons. Guppies come in a variety of stunning colors, with both males and females showcasing vibrant patterns.

Guppies originally came from the northeast part of South America but have since spread worldwide, especially in the United States. Their stunning appearance is a key reason for their popularity among hobbyists. Both males and females can show excellent colors, with males often having striking fins.

Another appealing feature of guppies is their small size. Females usually grow slightly larger and rounder, reaching around 2 inches, while males are smaller, thinner, and often more colorful.

Tank Mates and Behavior

These fish are non violent and generally hold to themselves. Males can occasionally harass each other or females for breeding, but overall, they’re a great addition to community tanks. They can live around 2–5 years with proper care.

When choosing tank mates, avoid large fish that might see guppies as food or species known for fin-nipping. Some good options include:

• Smaller tetras: black neon, ember, or glowlight tetras.
• Rasboras: pork chop or brilliant green varieties.
• Hatchetfish for the tank’s top.
• Cherry barbs, sparkling gouramis, or honey gouramis for centerpiece fish.
• Algae-eaters like otocinclus, bristlenose plecos, or mystery snails.
• Bottom-dwellers like Corydoras and kuhli loaches.

While bettas, mollies, and swordtails may seem compatible, their temperament or activity levels can sometimes lead to issues, so caution is advised. Betta aggression or guppy activity levels may cause stress, while mollies and swordtails can outcompete guppies for food or space.

Water Parameters

Guppies thrive in water temperatures of 75–80°F and require a heater in most setups. They prefer a pH of 7 or higher, with harder water being ideal (8–15° GH). Maintaining good water quality is essential—ensure ammonia and nitrite are at 0 ppm and nitrates below 20 ppm. A cycled tank is a must for these fish.

Feeding

Feeding guppies is straightforward. They enjoy high-quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, and live baby brine shrimp.

Tank Size and Setup

A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended due to their active nature. Guppies inhabit all levels of the tank, so they need space to swim. For substrate, sand or gravel works fine, though darker tones enhance their appearance. Adding live or fake plants, rocks, and driftwood creates a safe, comfortable environment.

If breeding, top cover like hornwort or guppy grass increases fry survival. To prevent stress, especially for males with long fins, ensure the tank’s filtration system has a gentle flow.

Breeding

Breeding guppies is simple. Start with one male and three to four females. Males have a gonopodium (a specialized reproductive organ) for fertilizing females, who can store sperm for months. The fry usually emerge a few weeks after the females are fertilized. Provide cover and feed adults well to reduce predation.

Fry are tiny livebearers, ready to swim immediately after birth. They thrive on live baby brine shrimp but can also eat crushed flakes. Fry often stay near the tank’s top, emphasizing the need for plant cover.

Key Information for Guppy Care