đ Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
The Guppy, also known as the Millionfish or Rainbow Fish, is one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish in the world. Known for their vibrant colors, flowing tails, and prolific breeding, guppies are perfect for beginners and experienced aquarists alike who want a colorful, active community tank.
đ Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Poecilia reticulata |
|---|---|
| Adult Size | Males: 1.5" / Females: 2.5" (4-6 cm) |
| Minimum Tank | 10 gallons (38 liters) |
| Temperament | Peaceful, active |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Lifespan | 2-3 years |
| Origin | South America, Caribbean |
â ī¸ Important Considerations
- Prolific breeders - Will multiply rapidly if males and females kept together
- Males can harass females - Keep 2-3 females per male
- Fin nipping targets - Long fins attract nippers
- Prefer hard water - May struggle in very soft water
đ Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum
- Plants: Love planted tanks, provides fry cover
- Current: Gentle - long fins struggle in strong flow
- Heater: Required, tropical fish
Water Parameters
| Temperature | 72-82°F (22-28°C) |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.0-8.0 |
| Hardness | 8-12 dGH (prefer harder water) |
| Ammonia/Nitrite | 0 ppm |
| Nitrate | <40 ppm |
đŊī¸ Diet & Feeding
Omnivores that eat almost anything.
- High-quality flakes - Staple diet
- Frozen/live brine shrimp - Enhances color
- Frozen bloodworms - Treat
- Blanched vegetables - Peas, spinach
- Spirulina flakes - Color enhancement
Feed 2-3 times daily in small amounts. Variety promotes health and color.
đ Compatibility
Good Tankmates
- Corydoras catfish
- Platies and Mollies
- Peaceful tetras
- Rasboras
- Snails and shrimp
- Dwarf Gouramis
Avoid
- Fin nippers - Tiger barbs, serpae tetras
- Large predatory fish
- Aggressive cichlids
- Bettas - May mistake for rival
đļ Breeding
- Livebearers - Give birth to free-swimming fry
- Gestation: 21-30 days
- Fry per batch: 20-50 typically
- Fry food: Crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp
- Plants: Dense plants help fry survive
- Females store sperm - Can have multiple batches from one mating
đĄ Tips for Success
- Keep 2-3 females per male to reduce harassment
- Have a plan for fry - they breed constantly
- Variety in diet promotes best colors
- Regular water changes keep them healthy
- Avoid fin nippers at all costs
đ Summary
Guppies are the perfect beginner fish - hardy, colorful, and endlessly entertaining. Their active swimming and vibrant colors bring any tank to life. Just be prepared for babies if you keep both sexes, and protect those beautiful fins from nippy tankmates!