Guppies

Guppies are one of the most common species of fish found in home freshwater tanks. They are a hardy fish that adapt well to most environments. The guppies’ natural habitat can be found in North-East & South America.

Guppies vary in size, with the males normally being smaller at 1.5-3.5 cm in length. Female guppies' range in size from 3-6 cm in length.Males can have brightly colored spots or stripes as well as other markings as a result of selective breeding, while females are usually grey in color.

Offspring of guppies are called fry and are live-born and self-sufficient right away.

Guppies mature within 10-20 weeks and can live up to 2 years, in that time females can have many broods of fry.

Lifespan in the wild differs from that of a live tank, but depending on the dynamics of the aquarium guppies can live slightly longer than in the wild.

With a well-planned out aquarium that has plenty of rocks and vegetation, guppies can be a great addition.

Be careful of predator fish within the tank, however, and make sure the guppies have plenty of hiding spots for themselves and their fry.

Guppies have also been known for infanticide, so make sure your guppies are well fed and not crowded, as these are common reasons for them to do it.

Guppies Diet

Guppies eat a wide variety of foods in the wild, including algae and water insect larvae. In a home aquarium though, you want to feed your guppies a combination of foods.

By feeding them a quality flake food designed for tropical fish, you can enhance the color of your guppy. But if that isn’t important to you, any quality flake food should be fine for them.

Guppies can have a wide variety of foods and it is recommended you incorporate other options besides the flakes to keep them healthy.

Guppies will eat a variety of freeze-dried foods, you might want to think about including things like; brine shrimp, bloodworms or daphnia.

These foods will give your guppy some variety and if you are thinking of breeding, a varied diet will deter them from eating their own fry. You can offer these as a live food instead of freeze dried. Live foods are more nutritious however live foods do carry a risk of transferring disease to your tank.

Guppies Preferred Tank Conditions

When thinking about getting guppies on their own there is a lot to consider when putting together a comfortable tank for them. The most common size is a 10-gallon tank. It isn’t too big, and a nice starter size.

If you try a tank smaller than 10 gallons it will be difficult to keep clean because it won’t be able to cycle water efficiently enough. You will want to make sure your guppies have a lot of hiding places, so make sure you decorate the aquarium with lots of plants and ornaments.

But be careful of anything with a sharp edge, there is the chance they might damage their delicate fins. You’ll also want to make sure that there is a least 2 inches of gravel on the bottom of the tank.

This will not only look nice but helps to filter the water as well. Keep the water at a comfortable temperature as you risk killing your guppies if the water temperature is too hot or too cold. Room temperature is ideal.

Even though guppies are common prey for many fish, there are some that live harmoniously with them in the same tank. When building a mixed tank that includes guppies, or you want to add guppies to your existing tank, you’ll want to consider which fish will either eat them or at the very least nip at their long fins.

Even if they aren’t being preyed on for food, being bullied is just as much of a stressor and will for sure affect the health of your guppies. You could consider adding similar fish like platys or gouramis.

They are very similar in that they also live birth and they are shy fish that prefer to live in peace, making for a calm aquarium.

There is also the option of including different species into the tank, such as shrimp, they will also keep the tank swept for you between cleaning’s so they are a great addition.

Or try a bottom dweller, guppies stay in the middle and top so adding these will not only keep your tank clean like the shrimp but will stay out of the way of your guppies, keeping the whole tank happy.

If you are looking for some excitement in the tank you can try including rasboras. These fish are slightly more aggressive but will get along great with your guppies

Guppies

Summary

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