Guppy

Common name Guppy Picture of Male Red-Blonde Guppies
Male 'Red-Blonde' Guppies
Picture of Male Electric Blue Guppies
Male 'Electric Blue' Guppy

Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans

Scientific name Poecilia reticulata

Synonyms Millions fish

Size 2.5" (6cm), males smaller.

Origin Central America to Brazil, although wild populations have established elsewhere.

Tank setup Planted community tank

Compatibility Peaceful, community - do not mix with fin-nippers

Temperature 18-27^oC (64-81^oF)

Water chemistry Medium hard to very hard, and alkaline - pH 7.0-8.5

Feeding Omnivorous, small live and frozen foods, flake.

Sexing Males have longer, more colourful finnage and are smaller than females, which tend to be dull coloured. However, the most definitive feature in males is the gonopodium - a stick-like modified anal fin (used in breeding), instead of the normal rounded anal fin in females.

Breeding An easily bred and prolific fish. It is advisable to keep 2-3 females per male to reduce stress on specific females from the male. Around 30 young are normally produced.

Comments The ever-popular guppy is generally a hardy fish which will tolerate a wide range of conditions. However, many fish found for sale these days are not as hardy as they once were. The guppy has been bred to produce longer fins and numerous colour varieties.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name	Guppy	Male 'Red-Blonde' Guppies Male 'Electric Blue' Guppy Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics `© Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Poecilia reticulata
Synonyms	Millions fish
Size	2.5" (6cm), males smaller.
Origin	Central America to Brazil, although wild populations have established elsewhere.
Tank setup	Planted community tank
Compatibility	Peaceful, community - do not mix with fin-nippers
Temperature	18-27^oC (64-81^oF)
Water chemistry	Medium hard to very hard, and alkaline - pH 7.0-8.5
Feeding	Omnivorous, small live and frozen foods, flake.
Sexing	Males have longer, more colourful finnage and are smaller than females, which tend to be dull coloured. However, the most definitive feature in males is the gonopodium - a stick-like modified anal fin (used in breeding), instead of the normal rounded anal fin in females.
Breeding	An easily bred and prolific fish. It is advisable to keep 2-3 females per male to reduce stress on specific females from the male. Around 30 young are normally produced.
Comments	The ever-popular guppy is generally a hardy fish which will tolerate a wide range of conditions. However, many fish found for sale these days are not as hardy as they once were. The guppy has been bred to produce longer fins and numerous colour varieties.