The Care of Delta Guppies

The delta guppy is a variation of the fancy guppy known scientifically as poecilia reticulata. It is distinct from other fancy guppies only by the shape of its tail. The tail is triangular in shape, forming at 70 degrees from the body and extending 8/10 of the whole body length. Like all fancy guppies, it is a beloved exotic aquarium fish and shares the same needs relating to care.

  1. Aquarium

    • Delta guppies don't need an excessive amount of aquarium space, but they are active and swim almost constantly. Aquarium size should be based on how many guppies are being kept; the more guppies, the larger the tank to give them room. The fish like well-planted aquariums with floating ferns to feed on and hide in. They also prefer a fine gravel layer at the bottom of the tank. They are generally hardy fish and can live in water with a 7 to 8.5 pH level that is between 64 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Some more selectively bred deltas are delicate and may require more specific ranges. Since they are oceanic fish, you can add a small amount of non-iodized salt to the water.

    Feeding

    • Delta guppies are omnivores and will eat insects and plants in the wild. In captivity they will eat parts of the aquarium plants and can be fed specialized flake food. As a treat, offer live or freeze dried brine shrimp or blood worms. The fish should be fed daily, preferably in several small meals as opposed to one large one.

    Companions

    • Delta guppies, like all fancies, are social school fish and will tend to move around the aquarium together in a group. There is not much territorial behavior; males and females are easily kept together. Other tropical fish, however, may be harassed and attacked by the guppies. Siamese fighting fish and Betas, for example, often receive nips to their fins by aggressive guppies.

    Breeding

    • It is not hard to breed delta guppies, so if you don't want breeding keep them in single sex groups. If you do want them to breed, supply some sheltered areas in the aquarium and keep a clean tank. The fry can be kept in the tank with adults, but the grown fish should be well fed or they may eat the babies. Cover filters with mesh so the fry do not get sucked in and killed. The fish can breed quickly and prolifically, so find a pet store that might buy or trade for the fry.