What is a guppy?

Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

The guppy is one of the most popular aquarium fish species in the world. They are small, live-bearing fish that come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Guppies are native to South America, but they have been introduced to many other parts of the world. They are hardy and easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginner aquarists.

Guppies are typically around 2 inches long, but some varieties can grow up to 4 inches. They have a slender body and a long, flowing tail. Their colors can vary from bright red and orange to blues, greens, yellows, blacks and purples. They are also known for their fancy tail shapes, such as the fantail, veiltail, and delta tail.

Guppies are live-bearing fish, which means they give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. The female guppy can give birth to up to 100 fry at a time, and she can give birth multiple times throughout the year. Guppies are relatively easy to breed, and they can make a great project for beginner aquarists.

Guppies are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, live food, and freeze-dried food. They are relatively hardy fish and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. However, they do best in water that is between 68 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit and has a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

Guppies are social fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6. They can also be kept with other peaceful fish species, such as tetras, rasboras, and corydoras catfish. Guppies are very active fish and need plenty of space to swim. A 10-gallon aquarium is the minimum recommended size for a group of 6 guppies.

Guppies are a beautiful and easy-to-care-for fish that make a great addition to any aquarium. They are popular with both beginner and experienced aquarists alike.