Can Dusky Millions Fish and Guppy Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Dusky Millions Fish and Guppy together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 41 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Dusky Millions Fish

Phalloceros caudimaculatus

Guppy

Poecilia reticulata

🐟Family Group
Dusky Millions Fish
Livebearers
Guppy
Livebearers
Temperament
Dusky Millions Fish
Peaceful (2/10)
Guppy
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Dusky Millions Fish
16–24°C
Guppy
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Dusky Millions Fish
7–8
Guppy
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Dusky Millions Fish
8–20
Guppy
8–30
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Dusky Millions Fish
Brackish Tolerant
Guppy
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Dusky Millions Fish
Low
Guppy
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 41 L
Dusky Millions Fish
40 L
Guppy
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Dusky Millions Fish
TopMiddle
Guppy
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Dusky Millions Fish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerPlant DestroyerFin Nipper
Guppy
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Dusky Millions Fish and Guppy?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Dusky Millions Fish
Guppy
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Dusky Millions Fish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Guppy is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Dusky Millions Fish may occasionally assert dominance over Guppy.

Dusky Millions Fish and Guppy both frequent the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Keep fin nippers in larger groups to distribute nipping behaviour among conspecifics rather than tank mates.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 23.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Dusky Millions Fish and Guppy together, plan for an aquarium of at least 41 litres with a minimum length of 45 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Established Algae (Otocinclus). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Dusky Millions Fish is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Guppy's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Dusky Millions Fish and Guppy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dusky Millions Fish and Guppy live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 41 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Dusky Millions Fish and Guppy need?

A minimum of 41 litres (tank length at least 45 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Dusky Millions Fish and Guppy together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 24°C. A target of around 23.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Dusky Millions Fish or Guppy aggressive?

Dusky Millions Fish is peaceful (2/10) and Guppy is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Dusky Millions Fish and Guppy need?

Both species overlap in the 7–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Dusky Millions Fish nip Guppy's fins?

Dusky Millions Fish is a known fin nipper. If Guppy has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Dusky Millions Fish in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.


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