Difficulty: BeginnerSize: 1.5–2.5 inchesTemperament: Peaceful livebearerLifespan: 2–3 years
💧 Tank Setup
- Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum; 20+ if you plan to breed.
- Water Range: 74–82 °F, pH 7.0–8.0, moderately hard water.
- Decor: Live plants like hornwort or guppy grass give fry hiding spots.
- Filtration: Sponge filters work best — gentle flow, fry-safe.
💡 Lesser-Known Tip: Guppies show brighter color in harder, mineral-rich water — adding crushed coral or Wonder Shells can naturally enhance color and health.
🍽️ Diet
- Staple: High-quality flake or micro pellet.
- Supplements: Baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and spirulina flakes.
- Feeding Frequency: Small amounts 2–3 times daily.
💡 Fact: Guppies are “micro-predators.” They pick at microorganisms and algae — a clean but slightly “seasoned” tank helps them thrive.
🧬 Breeding Behavior
- Type: Livebearer — fry are born free-swimming.
- Gestation: About 28 days; females can store sperm for multiple births.
- Fry Care: Move newborns to a grow-out tank or heavily planted area to prevent predation.
- Feeding Fry: Crushed flakes, microworms, or powdered fry food.
💡 Breeder Insight: Maintain a 1 male : 2–3 females ratio to reduce stress and avoid fin damage from over-courting males.
🤝 Tank Mates
Peaceful community fish like corydoras, platies, mollies, and small tetras.Avoid fin-nippers or aggressive species.
💬 Community Prompt
What’s your favorite guppy strain? 💎Post a photo of your favorite tail type or color line — and let’s talk genetics! Have you ever tried line breeding or mixing strains?