Guppy

Poecilia reticulata

FishFreshwater

Care level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum tank: 54 L
Maximum size: 5 cm
Temperature: 22–28 °C
pH: 6.8–8
Group size: ≥ 3
Diet: Omnivore

Care at a glance

The guppy earned its nickname of millionfish through sheer reproductive enthusiasm: it is a livebearer, and a small starter group grows into a sizeable population within months. Males are small and colourful, females larger and plainer; if you don't want fry, keep males only.

Guppies are easy, active and tolerant, thriving in medium-hard to hard, slightly alkaline water. When buying, look for robust, locally bred stock: heavily line-bred show forms with enormous tails are far more fragile. Keep them away from fin-nippers and feed a varied diet of small foods.