Koi Tuxedo females (Poecilia reticulata) Bred in SA

Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

The Guppy is one of the most popular and widely kept freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby, renowned for its vibrant colors, flowing fins, and hardy nature. Native to South America, Guppies have been selectively bred into countless varieties, each showcasing unique patterns and hues. They are small, peaceful fish ideal for community aquariums and are particularly well-suited for beginners.

Natural Habitat

In the wild, Poecilia reticulata is found in slow-moving rivers, streams, and ponds across northern South America and the Caribbean. These environments often have warm, soft to moderately hard water with abundant vegetation.

Aquarium Care

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 liters for a small group (4–6 individuals).
• Water Temperature: 22–28°C.
• pH Range: 7.0–8.0.
• Water Hardness: 10–30 dGH (moderately hard to hard water).
• Filtration: Gentle to moderate flow with effective biological filtration.

Aquascaping

• Substrate: Fine sand or gravel.
• Decor: Add rocks, driftwood, and caves for structure.
• Plants: Live plants like Java Moss, Hornwort, or Amazon Swords provide cover and enhance the tank’s aesthetics.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting brings out their vibrant colors.

Tank Mates

Guppies are peaceful fish and thrive in community tanks. Suitable tank mates include:

• Other livebearers like mollies, platies, or swordtails.
• Small schooling fish like tetras and rasboras.
• Peaceful bottom-dwellers like Corydoras or shrimp.
  Avoid: Fin-nipping species like tiger barbs or aggressive cichlids that may harass or harm them.

Feeding

Guppies are omnivorous and benefit from a varied diet:

• Staple Foods: High-quality flakes or micro-pellets formulated for tropical fish.
• Protein: Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
• Vegetables: Offer blanched spinach, zucchini, or spirulina-based foods occasionally.
  Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.

Behavior and Personality

• Activity: Guppies are active swimmers and enjoy exploring their environment.
• Social Behavior: They are social fish and thrive in groups of 6 or more, where males often display to females and each other.
• Hardiness: Guppies are resilient and adapt well to a variety of water conditions, making them ideal for new aquarists.

Breeding

Guppies are livebearers and prolific breeders, producing free-swimming fry with little effort.

Breeding Setup

• A separate breeding tank is recommended to protect fry from predation.
• Include dense plants like Java Moss or breeding mats for fry to hide.

Reproductive Behavior

• Females give birth to live fry every 4–6 weeks, with broods ranging from 10 to over 100 fry depending on the female’s size and health.
• No parental care is provided, and adult fish may eat the fry.

Fry Care

• Feed fry finely crushed flakes, powdered fry food, or freshly hatched brine shrimp.
• Keep water clean and stable to promote healthy growth.

Key Notes

• Variety: Selectively bred guppies come in numerous colors, patterns, and tail shapes, making them highly customizable to an aquarist’s preferences.
• Maintenance: Regular water changes and good filtration are essential to maintain their vibrant coloration and health.
• Health: Watch for signs of common illnesses like fin rot or ich, which can occur if water quality deteriorates.

The Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a versatile and low-maintenance fish that brings color, activity, and charm to any freshwater aquarium. Whether kept in a community tank or a species-specific setup, their lively behavior and stunning appearance make them a perennial favorite in the aquarium hobby.