Guppy — Fish Profile
Poecilia reticulata
Quick Specs
| Adult Size: | 2.0" |
| Temperament: | peaceful |
| Care Level: | beginner |
| Min Tank Size: | 10 gallons |
| Temperature: | 72-82°F |
| pH Range: | 6.8-7.8 |
| Diet: | omnivore |
| Origin: | South America |
| Lifespan: | 2-3 years |
Overview
Guppies are one of the most popular freshwater fish for beginners. They come in endless color varieties and breed readily in home aquariums.
Care Guide for Guppy
Tank Setup
Guppy requires a minimum tank size of 10 gallons. Maintain water temperature between 72°F and 82°F, with a pH range of 6.8 to 7.8. A properly sized tank with adequate filtration and regular water changes is essential for long-term health. When housing Guppy with other species, always choose a tank size that accommodates the most demanding fish in the community.
Feeding
Guppy is a omnivore feeder. Provide a varied diet appropriate for omnivore species to ensure optimal health and coloration. Feed small portions 2–3 times daily, and remove uneaten food after a few minutes to maintain water quality.
Temperament & Compatibility
This species is classified as peaceful. Guppy reaches an adult size of 2.0 inches and has a care level of beginner. Always research compatibility before adding new fish to an established aquarium. Individual temperament can vary, so monitor new introductions closely for the first 48 hours.
Origin & Lifespan
Guppy originates from South America and has an expected lifespan of 2-3 years when kept in proper water conditions with appropriate tank mates and diet.
Compatible Tank Mates
🟢 Good Tank Mates
🟡 Caution Tank Mates
🔴 Risky Tank Mates
Compatibility Results for Guppy
All 69 compatibility checks involving Guppy:
Expert Care Tips for Guppy
- Nano tank suitable: Guppy can thrive in smaller tanks (10+ gal), but skip the bowl — even small fish need filtration and a heater.
- Warm-water species: Guppy prefers 72–82°F. Use a reliable submersible heater with a thermostat — avoid temperature swings above 2°F per day.
- Narrow pH tolerance: Guppy only tolerates pH 6.8–7.8. Test your tap water before buying — adjusting pH is harder than choosing the right fish for your water.
- Peaceful community fish: Guppy works well in community tanks. Still, avoid housing with fish large enough to eat them — a 2.0" fish is vulnerable to anything with a mouth bigger than 2×.
- Acclimation: Always drip-acclimate Guppy over 30–45 minutes. Match temperature and pH gradually to prevent osmotic shock.
Tools & Resources
⚠️ Guppy Diseases: Columnaris, Ich & Camallanus Guide
Guppies are hardy but prone to specific diseases, especially in overcrowded or poorly maintained tanks. Their prolific breeding often leads to overcrowding, which stresses the immune system and triggers outbreaks. New guppies from pet stores frequently carry Columnaris and internal parasites.
Columnaris (Mouth Fungus / Saddleback Disease)
Symptoms: White or grayish patches on mouth, fins, or body (looks like fungus but is bacterial); frayed fins; lethargy; loss of appetite; cotton-like growths around mouth
Treatment: Treat immediately with antibiotic (Furan-2 or Kanamycin). Raise temperature to 78-80°F to speed lifecycle. Add aquarium salt (1 tbsp per 5 gallons). Isolate infected fish — Columnaris is highly contagious. Perform daily 25% water changes. Treat for minimum 7 days.
Ich (White Spot Disease)
Symptoms: Tiny white spots on body and fins resembling salt grains; fish rubbing against objects; rapid breathing; clamped fins; lethargy
Treatment: Raise temperature to 82°F gradually. Dose with malachite green or copper-based medication. Add aquarium salt (1 tsp per 2 gallons). Vacuum substrate daily to remove fallen trophonts. Treat entire tank for 10-14 days. Guppies tolerate salt well but avoid overdose.
Camallanus (Red Worm Parasite)
Symptoms: Red or reddish-brown worms protruding from the anus; bloated abdomen; weight loss despite eating; lethargy; pale coloration
Treatment: Treat with Fenbendazole (Panacur) at 0.1g per 10 gallons mixed into food, or Levamisole at 2ppm in water. Perform thorough substrate vacuuming after treatment. Repeat treatment in 2 weeks to kill newly hatched worms. Disinfect all equipment. This parasite spreads through infected live food and snail intermediates.
Always quarantine sick fish and consult an aquatic veterinarian for persistent health issues.