Guppy
Poecilia reticulata compatibility profile. Find the best tank mates by checking water parameters, aquarium swim zone pressure, social rules, and shrimp-safe verifications.
Core facts & bioload limits
Adult size2.25"
Minimum tank10 gal
Temperamentpeaceful
Group3+
- temperature72-82F
- pH7-8.2
- water_hardnessGH 8-20 dGH | KH 4-12 dKH
- plant_safetysafe
- shrimp_safetycaution
- algae_eating_rolenone
- beginner_suitabilitybeginner
Planning resources
Community planning & swim zone pressure
When planning a community around Guppy, consider the aquarium swim zone pressure. This species primarily occupies the topmiddle zone. Balance the setup by choosing tank mates that occupy the top or bottom zones to reduce crowding and stress.
Care caveats
- notesProlific livebearer; plan stocking around fast breeding, fin length, and sex ratio rather than absolute numbers.
- caveatLivebearer that breeds quickly — plan for fry, expect rapid population growth, and have a separation/rehoming plan if you keep mixed sexes.
- caveatKeep more females than males (a 1 male to 2-3 females ratio is the common guideline); too many males harass and exhaust females.
- caveatLong flowing fins make males targets for known fin-nippers (tiger barb, serpae tetra, black skirt tetra, larger barbs) — avoid those tankmates.
- caveatAdult guppies will eat shrimp fry and may pick at small shrimplets; keep adult-only shrimp colonies separate or provide dense moss cover.
Compatible tank mates
- Bladder Snailyellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Bettayellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Chili Rasborayellowwater_hardness_mismatch | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Ember Tetrayellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Cherry Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Ghost Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Blue Dream Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Orange Sakura Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Black Rose Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Snowball Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
Common pair questions
- Can Guppy live with betta?Pair checker with reason codes
- Can Guppy live with angelfish?Pair checker with reason codes
- Can Guppy live with cherry shrimp?Pair checker with reason codes
- Can Guppy live with molly?Pair checker with reason codes
- Can Guppy live with platy?Pair checker with reason codes
- Can Guppy live with endler livebearer?Pair checker with reason codes