Guppy

Guppies are peaceful and suitable for most community tanks with similar-sized, non-aggressive fish. Compatible species include platies, mollies, peaceful tetras, rasboras, and small Corydoras species. Avoid large or aggressive fish which may eat guppy fry or harass adults; monitor interactions after introductions. Provide plants and cover to protect fry and reduce stress; floating plants are especially useful as nurseries.

Keep water chemistry consistent across species; guppies prefer alkaline, moderately hard water common to livebearers. A balanced community prevents overpredation and maintains a dynamic tank where guppies can exercise natural behaviours. Quarantine new tank mates to prevent disease introduction and acclimate them slowly to the tank’s water parameters. If keeping shrimp, choose larger and hardier varieties as very small shrimp may be consumed by adult guppies.

Monitor for fin-nippers and remove or rehome incompatible species promptly to preserve a peaceful community. Maintain moderate stocking densities to allow guppies adequate space for display and breeding without overcrowding. Regular observation and small adjustments to tank structure or population maintain compatibility and welfare.

Guppies are adaptable and do well in planted community tanks with stable water chemistry and moderate flow. Provide plenty of plants and hiding spots for fry and timid adults; guppies breed readily and fry need refuge. Maintain temperature between 22–28°C and perform regular water changes to control nitrate buildup from frequent breeding. Use a gentle filter and ensure good oxygenation; guppies are active swimmers and prefer clean, well-aerated water.

Guppies prefer slightly alkaline water and moderate hardness consistent with livebearer needs. Avoid overcrowding; high densities lead to poor water quality and higher disease susceptibility for guppy populations. Quarantine new stock and introduce small numbers to established tanks to monitor for disease or aggressive behaviour. Keep a balanced sex ratio to reduce male harassment of females; more females per male improves welfare.

Use floating plants or fine-leaved plants to create shaded areas that reduce stress and simulate natural habitat. Regularly inspect for common ailments such as fin rot and treat early to prevent spread within prolific guppy groups. Select robust filtration and frequent partial water changes given guppies’ high reproductive rates and bioload. Monitor population levels and plan for fry management — rehoming or separate grow-out tanks help maintain balance.

Guppies are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet including flake, pellets, and live or frozen supplements. Feed them a staple of high-quality flake or micro-pellets formulated for tropical community fish. Supplement with frozen foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia and occasional live foods for conditioning. Provide vegetable matter like spirulina flakes or blanched greens a few times per week.

Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily, ensuring all food is consumed within a few minutes to avoid water fouling. For pregnant females and breeding groups, increase feeding frequency and include protein-rich options to aid fry development. Young guppies require frequent feedings of powdered foods and infusoria before transitioning to crushed flakes. Rotate food types to provide a balanced vitamin and mineral profile and reduce the risk of dietary deficiencies.

Store dry foods in cool, dry places and use fresh frozen foods to maintain maximum nutritional content. Observe for selective feeding or bullying at feeding times and distribute food across multiple spots in the tank. Manage portions and clean leftover food quickly to prevent ammonia spikes and associated health problems. Regular feeding and good nutrition promote color, vigor, and reproductive success in guppy populations.

Guppies are prolific livebearers and breed readily in community tanks when conditions are favorable. Females can store sperm and produce several broods from a single mating; manage population to avoid overstocking. Provide heavily planted areas or breeding boxes to protect newborn fry from being eaten by adults. Condition breeders on high-quality and protein-rich foods to increase fry count and survival.

Gestation is roughly 3–4 weeks depending on temperature, and a female may produce 20–100 fry per brood. Raise fry on infusoria and powdered fry foods initially, moving to baby brine shrimp and crushed flake as they grow. Separate sizes as they develop to prevent cannibalism and ensure more uniform growth across the cohort. Record parentage if maintaining strains to avoid uncontrolled hybridization and track genetic health.

Rotate parental lines or introduce unrelated stock periodically to minimize inbreeding depression. Control population by segregating sexes or periodically rehoming fry to maintain tank capacity and water quality. Provide consistent temperature and clean water to maximize fry viability and healthy juvenile development.