Guppy Fish Care Guide: Feeding, Breeding, Tank Setup & Types

Guppies are one of the most beginner-friendly freshwater fish you can keep. They’re colorful, active, and easy to care for, making them a great choice for any community tank. In this guide, you’ll learn how to feed, breed, and set up the perfect tank for guppies plus how to keep them healthy long-term.

Quick Species Overview

Category	Details
Scientific Name	Poecilia reticulata
Family	Poeciliidae
Size	1.5 – 2.5 inches
Temperament	Peaceful, active, and social
Diet	Omnivorous
Lifespan	2 – 3 years
Minimum Tank Size	10 gallons
Compatibility	Great with other peaceful species
Care Level	Easy for beginners

Guppy Varieties (Brief Overview)

Guppies come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and tail shapes. From Fancy Guppies to Endler’s Livebearers, each variety brings its own charm to the tank.

Want colorful variety? See the top guppy types you can keep

Natural Habitat and Behavior

In the wild, guppies are found in the warm, shallow waters of South America, especially in countries like Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana. These environments are full of vegetation, giving guppies hiding spots and a steady supply of food like algae and insect larvae.

In home aquariums, guppies thrive in:

• Warm water (75–82°F)
• Plenty of live plants
• Clean, well-filtered tanks with low water flow

How to Choose a Healthy Guppy

When buying guppies, look for:

• Bright colors
• Clear eyes
• Full, undamaged fins
• Active swimming behavior

Male vs. Female Guppies:

Females are larger, less colorful, and often rounder

Ideal Tank Setup for Guppies

Tank Essentials	Recommendations
Tank Size	Minimum 10 gallons (20+ gallons ideal)
Heater	Maintain 75–82°F
Filter	Sponge or gentle internal filter
Lighting	Moderate lighting for plant growth
Substrate	Fine gravel or sand
Decor	Live plants like Java moss, caves, rocks

Maintenance Tip:
Change 20–30% of the water weekly and test water parameters often (aim for pH 6.8–7.5).

Feeding Guppies

Feeding Details	Info
Diet Type	Omnivorous (flakes, pellets, live/frozen)
Frequency	2–3 times per day
Amount	What they can eat in 2–3 minutes

Safe human foods: Boiled spinach, peas (skinned), egg yolk (tiny bits)
Feeding on vacation: Use auto-feeders or vacation food blocks

Breeding Guppies

Guppies are livebearers — they give birth to live fry, not eggs. They’re among the easiest fish to breed.

How to Breed Them:

1. Keep 1 male for every 2–3 females
2. Use a separate breeding tank or dense plants for hiding fry
3. Maintain warm water (78–80°F) and stable water parameters
4. After birth (about 4 weeks of gestation), remove adults to avoid fry being eaten
5. Feed fry powdered food or baby brine shrimp

Guppy Health & Common Diseases

Symptom	Problem	Solution
White spots	Ich	Raise temp slowly, medicate
Torn fins	Fin rot	Improve water quality, meds
Scratching	Parasites	Use antiparasitic treatment

Healthy guppies will be:

• Active
• Bright in color
• Eager to eat
• Swimming socially

Read our full guide: Freshwater Fish Diseases: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Guide

FAQs

Are guppies beginner-friendly?
Yes, guppies are one of the best fish for beginners.

Do guppies need a heater and filter?
Absolutely. Stable temperature and clean water are key to their health.

Can I keep guppies in tap water?
Yes, if you use a dechlorinator or water conditioner first.

Will guppies eat their babies?
Yes. Always separate fry or use dense plants to protect them.

How many guppies should I keep together?
Start with at least 5–6 in a tank no smaller than 10 gallons.