guppy

Guppy Overview

Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
Origin: Northern South America, Trinidad and Tobago
Adult Size: Up to 6 cm (around 2.5 inches)
Temperament: Peaceful and active
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Tank Size: 40L+
Temperature: 22–28°C

Guppies are vibrant, hardy freshwater fish popular in home aquariums worldwide. They are livebearers, giving birth to free-swimming fry, and their colourful patterns and active behaviour make them a lively addition to community tanks. Guppies are highly adaptable and ideal for beginner aquarists, thriving in a variety of water conditions when provided with a stable environment and proper care.

Aquarium Requirements for Guppy

Guppies are easy-going and adaptable, but they do best in a well-maintained aquarium.

Typical aquarium conditions include:

  • Tank Size: 40 litres or larger recommended

  • Temperature: 22–28°C

  • pH Range: Around 7.0 – 8.0

  • Filtration: Moderate filtration with gentle flow

  • Aquarium Type: Planted or open aquascapes with swimming space

They thrive in stable water conditions, and regular maintenance helps prevent stress and ensures long-term health.

Feeding

Guppies are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet:

  • High-quality flake or micro-pellet foods

  • Live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, or mosquito larvae

  • Occasional vegetable matter, like blanched spinach

Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.

 

Behaviour and Tank Mates

Guppies are peaceful, social fish that thrive in groups of 3 or more.

  • Temperament: Active and curious

  • Tank mates: Small, non-aggressive community fish such as tetras, mollies, and dwarf corydoras

  • Avoid: Aggressive or large fish that may nip fins or outcompete them for food

Their lively movements and colourful fins make them a favourite for both beginners and experienced aquarists

Setting Up a Guppy Aquarium

To create a healthy home for guppies:

  • Use a tank of 40L or larger

  • Include live plants and open swimming areas

  • Maintain stable water quality with regular water changes

  • Provide gentle filtration to avoid strong currents

  • House guppies in small groups to encourage social behaviour and natural activity

Guppies at Smith’s Aquatics

At Smith’s Aquatics in Stockton-on-Tees, we regularly stock a variety of Guppy strains, showcasing different colours and tail types.

Our team can help you with:

  • Choosing healthy fish

  • Planning a suitable aquarium setup

  • Selecting compatible tank mates

  • Advice on feeding and maintenance

If you are interested in keeping Guppies, visit our store to speak with our aquatics team and learn more about these lively tropical fish.