How to Catch Guppies

Guppies are small fish that give live birth, and are popular both as feeder fish for other animals and as pets. Most guppy owners will have to catch their fish from time to time, whether it's to move them to another tank or to protect babies from being eaten by adults. Because guppies are fast and may blend in with their surroundings, catching them can prove challenging for novice pet owners. With the proper supplies and preparation, however, catching guppies does not have to be time-consuming or frustrating.

Things You'll Need

  • Fish flakes
  • Small fish net
  • Cup of aquarium water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove hiding areas from the aquarium. Guppies are easily startled and will quickly hide under aquarium furniture at the first sight of a fish net. Soft aquarium ornaments like floating islands and plastic plants are especially important to remove because these can entangle your fish net.

    • 2

      Feed your guppies. This will lure them to the surface of the water and distract them, which makes them easier to catch. Avoid overfeeding, which can cloud the water and make it difficult to locate your guppies.

    • 3

      Place the fish net into the water vertically. Wait for a guppy to swim within an inch or two of the net and quickly scoop the fish up and remove it from the water. Placing the fish net near the aquarium glass will make it easier to scoop up guppies who swim nearby because they can then be cornered against the glass.

    • 4

      Put your guppy back in water as quickly as possible. If you are catching guppies to move them to a new tank, make sure the tank is nearby. If this is not possible, fill a cup with aquarium water so that your fish can quickly be placed back in water for the move. To remove the guppy from the net, simply flip the net upside down in water.