Types of Fish Kept With Guppies

Guppies live well in community tanks -- but with conditions. They need to share a roof, so to speak. with fish that are around the same size. They also need to live alongside fish with similar dispositions. If reproduction is part of the plan, species tanks are preferable to community tanks. Personal tanks for the mothers-to-be are even better.

  1. Considerations

    • These serene and calm fish need the same out of their tank mates. Their requirements also extend to water temperature, which needs to be between 74 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Guppies also need aquariums that can manage between 10 and 20 gallons of water, depending on the number of individuals. If a certain type of fish needs an aquarium that is a lot larger than 10 to 20 gallons, cross it off your list.

    Suitable Tank Mates

    • Guppies can work well with other mild and agreeable fish such as tiny rainbowfish, cichlids and rasboras. Fellow live-bearers, such as platies, are work well, as do tetras. Avoid mingling guppies -- or fish in general -- alongside others if you aren't sure of their basic temperaments.

    Breeding Guppies

    • Guppies are live-bearing fish, which means that they birth live youngsters rather than deposit eggs, unlike many other fish. They breed handily. Before spawning, select guppies that possess physical qualities that you appreciate, whether coloration, fin style or anything else. Eliminate males from the breeding tank as soon as the females spawn. Species tanks are sometimes risky for breeding wee guppies, as the fully mature fish occasionally take it upon themselves to make meals out of the youngsters. Increase your chances of breeding success by placing expectant female guppies in their own personal tanks of around 10 gallons.

    Aggressive Fish

    • Since guppies have long fins, they should never live with fish that habitually bite on them, such as bettas or any type of fighting fish. If you do place guppies in with these types of fish, they'll experience a lot of unnecessary stress and disturbance.