One of the most iconic and widely kept aquarium fish. Renowned for their incredible colors, hardiness, and prolific breeding. As livebearers, they give birth to fully formed, free-swimming fry. Males constantly pursue females for mating; therefore, a ratio of at least 2 females per male is strongly recommended to disperse stress.
Guppy At a Glance
Guppy Tank Requirements
Will Guppy fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Guppy needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Guppy against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Guppy Water Parameters
Guppy Temperament & Compatibility
Guppy Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male (Fancy)
Males are significantly smaller but boast spectacular colors and large, flowing fins. They are extremely active and will relentlessly court females. Can be kept in a 'bachelor' (male-only) tank to prevent breeding.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Guppy, Cobra, Delta Tail, Mosaic
Female
Females are larger, thicker, and generally less colorful than males (though modern strains have colorful tails). They possess a distinct dark 'gravid spot' near the anal fin and can store sperm for months, dropping fry every 21-30 days.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Female Guppy, Breeder
Guppy Care Guide Summary
The Guppy, scientifically known as Poecilia reticulata, belongs to the Livebearers family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 5 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Guppy requires a brackish tolerant aquarium with a minimum volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7–8.5 and a general hardness of 8–30 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
The Guppy is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male (Fancy) and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Guppy Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Guppy, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas.
Guppy Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Guppy is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Guppy Is Actually For
Guppy is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 3. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially plants.
The most common mistake is buying Guppy for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
Guppy Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Guppy.
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
Show 22 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Guppy
How big does Guppy get?
Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Guppy need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm are recommended for Guppy. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Guppy need?
Guppy thrives in brackish tolerant conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 7 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 8–30 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Guppy peaceful or aggressive?
Guppy is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Guppy live alone?
No, Guppy should be kept in groups of at least 3 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does Guppy have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Guppy benefits from plants - densely covered and plants - floating in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- April 28, 2026
- Last updated
- April 28, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Guppy
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Guppy based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Trapdoor Snail
Cipangopaludina chinensis
Ideal Tank MatesSkunk Cory
Corydoras arcuatus
Ideal Tank MatesSan Juan Cory
Corydoras bilineatus
Ideal Tank MatesPetricola Catfish
Synodontis petricola
Ideal Tank MatesSchwartz's Cory
Corydoras schwartzi
Ideal Tank MatesLeopard Cory
Corydoras leopardus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Guppy
These plants pair well with Guppy based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Carolina Mosquito Fern
Azolla caroliniana
Common Duckweed
Lemna minor
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans
Fish Similar to Guppy
Endler's Livebearer
Poecilia wingei
A tiny, vibrant, and highly active livebearer closely related to the Guppy. Males display intense, neon colors and patterns, while females are larger and plainly colored. They are prolific breeders and require hard, alkaline water to thrive.
Goldfish (Comet / Common)
Carassius auratus
One of the most commonly kept and misunderstood fish in the hobby. Single-tailed goldfish (Comets, Commons, Shubunkins) are fast-growing, highly active coldwater fish that produce enormous amounts of waste. They are best suited for ponds or massive aquariums. They will uproot plants, sift substrate constantly, and eat anything that fits in their mouths.
Blue Tilapia
Oreochromis aureus
A robust, large-growing African cichlid famous for its hardiness, high growth rate, and commercial value. In the aquarium, they are highly active, extremely messy, and will systematically destroy any live plants or intricate hardscape by digging massive crater nests. They are highly adaptable to various water conditions, including brackish water.
Grime Rainbowfish
Glossolepis dorityi
A rare and highly active schooling fish native to the Grime River system in New Guinea, currently listed as Critically Endangered in the wild. Widely known in the hobby as Dority's Rainbowfish, they are prized for the male's unique zigzag lateral striping. They are peaceful community fish that require spacious, well-oxygenated tanks with plenty of open swimming room.
Asian Arowana
Scleropages formosus
A highly prized, CITES-protected 'monster fish' known as the Dragon Fish. They are powerful, surface-dwelling predators that require massive aquariums and pristine water quality. Notorious jumpers, they require heavy, secure lids. Because of intense territoriality, they must be kept strictly solitary or in large 'comm' (community) groups of 5+ to disperse aggression.
Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus
A quintessential community fish known for its durability and massive variety of colors. Native to Central America, Platies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry. They are peaceful, active grazers that require hard, alkaline water to thrive. They are excellent for beginners but breed prolifically.