🐠 Livebearer Guppies Care Guide (Poecilia reticulata)

🌟 Overview Livebearer Guppies (Poecilia reticulata), also called the Millionfish, is one of the most popular freshwater fish in the world. Known for their vibrant colors, flowing tails, and ease of care, guppies are beginner-friendly and breed readily in aquariums. Native to South America, guppies are hardy, peaceful, and active, making them an excellent choice for community aquariums.

🔑 Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
• Common Names: Guppy, Millionfish, Fancy Guppy
• Origin: South America (Venezuela, Brazil, Guyana)
• Size: 1.5–2.5 inches (3.5–6 cm)
• Lifespan: 2–3 years
• Temperament: Peaceful, active livebearer
• Care Level: Easy

🏠 Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (larger for breeding colonies)
• Water Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
• pH: 6.8–7.8
• Hardness: 8–12 dGH (prefer harder, mineral-rich water)
• Aquascape: Planted tanks with open swimming space and hiding spots for fry

🍽️ Diet

Guppies are omnivores and thrive on variety:

• High-quality flakes & micro-pellets
• Frozen/live foods: brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms
• Vegetable matter: spirulina flakes, blanched spinach, peas
• Frequent, small feedings help maintain energy and color

🧑🤝🧑 Tank Mates

• Perfect with other peaceful community fish: tetras, mollies, platies, rasboras, corydoras
• Compatible with shrimp and snails
• Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping fish (barbs, larger cichlids)

🧠 Behavior & Tips

• Livebearers → females give birth to live fry every 4–6 weeks
• Males are smaller with long, colorful tails; females are larger and less colorful
• Breed quickly → provide hiding spots (plants, breeding boxes) to protect fry
• Hardy but thrive best in clean, well-maintained tanks with stable water parameters

❓ FAQ

Q: How many guppies should I keep?
A: At least 3–5, but they’re most comfortable in small groups or colonies.

Q: Do guppies need a heater?
A: Yes, they prefer warm, stable water (mid-to-upper 70s).

Q: How long do guppies live?
A: Typically 2–3 years, though excellent care can extend lifespan.

Q: Will guppies overpopulate my tank?
A: Yes, they breed rapidly. To control population, separate males and females or add natural predators (but choose carefully).