Information On Guppies

Guppies are aquarium fish that are usually inexpensive to purchase and are beautiful and colorful. The guppy fish, also known scientifically as the poecilia libestes reticulate, is an ideal fish for children or beginners. Guppies are easy to keep, non-aggressive and hardy.

  1. General Information

    • The guppy fish originates from South and Central America. Guppies come in many different variations and colors, most commonly red, green and blue. There are numerous variations of the guppy fish including lacetail, long fin, fantail and king cobra. Guppies are uniquely designed fish; there are no two guppies that are identical in colors and patterns.

    Sexing

    • Male and female guppies look very different, primarily females are much larger than males. Females are generally a dull-gray color with bright-colored tails, while male guppies are vibrant in color and have larger fins and longer tails.

    Aquariums

    • Guppies are community fish and like living in an aquarium with at least five other guppies. The water temperature in the tank should be relatively warm, between 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the website The Aquatic Community, the recommended pH level in the tank is between 6.8 and 7.6. Because guppies live in communities, they should live in a relatively large tank. Depending on how many guppies you own, the tank should be at least 2 gallons. Guppy tanks should also have a heater, thermometer, filter and an air stone to keep oxygen in the water. Guppies also enjoy hiding places in their tanks, therefore, the tanks should have plants, rocks and other aquarium decorations.

    Food

    • Guppies eat a variety of foods, including flakes, lettuce, bloodworms and mosquito larvae. They eat a small amount at a time due to their small stomachs and should be fed small portions at a time. Because of this, you should feed guppies one to three times a day. If purchasing flake fish food, choose one made for tropical fish. Besides flake food, guppies should also eat a variety of fresh foods, such as brine shrimp or earthworms.