Cichlid
Care basics
Guppies are livebearers, which means females give birth to free swimming fry instead of laying eggs. Males have the long, colorful tails.
Keep two or three females for every male so no female gets chased constantly. Expect fry often. A planted tank gives babies places to hide.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Poecilia reticulata |
|---|---|
| Group | Livebearers |
| Native to | Northeastern South America and nearby Caribbean islands |
| Adult size | Males about 1.5 inches, females up to about 2.5 inches |
| Tank size | 10 gallons minimum, 20 gallons for a group |
| Temperature | 72 to 82 F |
| pH | 7.0 to 8.0 |
| Diet | Small flakes and micro pellets, plus baby brine shrimp or daphnia |
| Temperament | Peaceful. Not a tank mate for cichlids large enough to eat them. |
Good tank mates
Small tetras, corydoras, platies, mollies, bristlenose plecos. Always match size, temperament and water needs, and add new fish to a cycled tank after quarantine.
Sizes and ranges are typical hobby figures. Individual fish vary. Questions about your tank? Ask us.
